imbue

[ im-byoo ]

verb (used with object)

, im·bued, im·bu·ing.

1. to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions, etc.:

   The new political leader was imbued with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

   Synonyms: fire, infect, charge

2. to saturate or impregnate with moisture, color, etc.

   Synonyms: soak, tincture, infuse, permeate

3. to imbrue.

imbue

/ ɪmˈbjuː /

verb

1. to instil or inspire (with ideals, principles, etc)

   his sermons were imbued with the spirit of the Reformation

2. rare.
   to soak, esp with moisture, dye, etc

Derived Forms

• imˈbuement, noun

Other Words From

• im·bue·ment noun
• pre·im·bue verb (used with object) preimbued preimbuing

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbue¹

First recorded in 1545–55, imbue is from the Latin word imbuere “to wet, drench”

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbue¹

C16: from Latin imbuere to stain, accustom

Example Sentences

How did you imbue your experiences from Hibiscus and Eleven Madison Park into The Noortwyck?

From Salon

They have sought to imbue the app with social norms, like encouraging users to post alt text with their pictures so that blind users can engage with them.

From Slate

“I tried to combine the feelings that classic horror movies evoke in me with a modern approach — and imbue it all with an intense sense of romanticism.”

From Los Angeles Times

"His 'empire of liberty' offered the potential to dismantle the artificial hierarchies inherited from the past and imbue all aspects of life with the promise of freedom and happiness," Caivano said.

From Salon

But the next evening, the Obamas were eager to imbue the convention with positive messaging about the future - and to land a few gags at Donald Trump's expense.

From BBC

Related Words

• inculcate
• ingrain
• instill
• leaven
• permeate
• pervade
• steep
• suffuse