Infuse: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when talking about adding a new quality, flavor, or feeling into something gradually and thoroughly.

• The chef decided to infuse the dessert with a hint of lavender.
• Her leadership style infused the team with confidence.

Best used when describing the act of filling someone or something with a particular quality or feeling deeply and distinctly.

• His speech was imbued with passion and sincerity.
• The artist's works are imbued with a sense of melancholy.

Use this word when referring to gradually but firmly establishing an idea or attitude into someone's mind, especially over a long period.

• Parents should instill good manners in their children.
• The coach is known for instilling discipline and hard work in his players.

Often used in a literal or metaphorical sense to describe adding something into something else quickly or forcefully. It can have a slightly negative connotation when used metaphorically.

• The doctor had to inject the patient with a vaccine.
• She injected a dose of humor into the otherwise serious meeting.

Typically used in medical or culinary contexts, 'infuse' means to allow something to penetrate or become part of something else over time.

• The nurse will infuse the medication slowly over the course of an hour.
• Let the tea leaves infuse in the boiling water for five minutes.

'Administer' is often used in formal or medical contexts, meaning to give or apply something, such as medication or a test.

• The doctor will administer the vaccine to the patients.
• The teacher will administer the exam to the students.

'Deliver' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, meaning to bring or hand over something to the intended recipient.

• The courier will deliver the package by tomorrow.
• The keynote speaker will deliver a speech on climate change.