English Reference
Verb

infuse

v.
C1 Advanced US /ˌɪnˈfjuz/ UK /ɪnfjˈuːz/ in·fuse UK spelling infused, infuses, infusing

v.to put a liquid into something else to give it a specific taste or smell. You can also use it to describe a feeling or idea that slowly enters a person's mind.

v.to introduce a substance into another to impart a particular quality or characteristic; to permeate or saturate. Often used in culinary contexts to describe the transfer of flavor from one ingredient to another.


SIMPLE

I like to infuse my tea with fresh mint leaves.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef infuses the oil with garlic and rosemary to create a base for the pasta sauce.

COMPLEX

The novel is infused with a sense of melancholy that permeates every chapter, reflecting the protagonist's deepening isolation as the story progresses.

Her rich survey of science fiction tropes of the 20th century, many of which have infused the hopes and dreams of the Technorati, is revealing.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

From the early days of computers and the internet, Wendy McMurdo has let tech infuse her photography.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

From Middle English infusen, from Latin infusus, from infundo.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin infusus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated