suffuse

American  

[suh-fyooz] / səˈfyuz /

verb (used with object)

suffused, suffusing

1. to overspread with or as with a liquid, color, etc.

   Synonyms:

   flood, bathe, diffuse, pervade, cover

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suffuse British  

/ səˈfjuːʒən, səˈfjuːz /

verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to spread or flood through or over (something)

   the evening sky was suffused with red

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Other Word Forms

• suffusedly adverb
• suffusion noun
• suffusive adjective
• unsuffused adjective
• unsuffusive adjective

Etymology

Origin of suffuse

First recorded in 1580–90, suffuse is from the Latin word suffūsus (past participle of suffundere ). See suf-, fuse ²

Example Sentences

Nonsurgical options like dermal fillers or fat grafting can suffuse depressions to create a more centered appearance.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

With each breath, we suffuse our bodies with oxygen-rich air that keeps our organs and tissues healthy and working properly -- and without oxygen, we can survive mere minutes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

Baumbach runs with their children’s antic energy and lets it suffuse other parts of his film, animating even the story’s more difficult third part with humor and affection that reflect the book’s tone.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022

Jasanoff called for the British monarchy to do away with the “myths of imperial benevolence” that still suffuse its ceremonies and activities.

From Washington Post • Sep. 8, 2022

That winter seemed to stretch on interminably, but spring finally crept back to West Riding to suffuse the meadow in a glow of pale green.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• bathe
• permeate
• saturate
• steep
• tinge