Definition of infuse

The word "infuse" originated from the Latin verb "infundere," meaning "to pour or pour in." It entered the English language during the medieval period, around the 14th century, with the meaning of "to pour liquid into something" or "to soak something in a liquid." The original Latin root "fundere," meaning "to pour," explains the origins of the prefix "infu-" which means "to pour in" or "into." This attitude towards infusing reflects the historical practice of pouring medicinal herbs, spices, or tea into hot water to create a flavorful concoction, a practice that remained popular during the Medieval era. The verb "infuse" also took on additional definitions over time. In the 15th century, it began to be used as a term for introducing new ideas or beliefs into a group of people, by "pouring" them in gradually. In the 17th century, it applied to the process of introducing pigments or dyes into materials to infuse them with color. Today, the term is a part of everyday language, commonly used to describe adding flavor to beverages, food, or in scientific contexts, to describe immersing solids or gases in liquids. The versatility of the word "infuse" exemplifies its capacity for metaphor, illustrating the dynamic changes that words can undergo throughout history.