imbue
UK[ɪmˈbjuː]US[ɪmˈbjuː]
v
to fill someone or something with a particular feeling, quality, or idea
v
to saturate or dye something with a color or moisture
Etymology
the verb 'imbue' entered english in the late 15th century from the latin 'imbuere', meaning 'to moisten, stain, or dye'. this latin term itself is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to the prefix 'in-' (into) and a root connected to moisture or flow. the core literal sense was to saturate a material with a liquid, such as a dye. through metaphorical extension, this physical act of permeation evolved into the modern abstract meaning of filling the mind or character with qualities, ideas, or feelings, as if dyeing one's inner fabric.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit derived from latin and borrowed into english as a whole; it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the teacher sought to imbue her students with a love of learning.
the fabric was imbued with a deep, vibrant blue dye.
his speeches are imbued with a strong sense of patriotism.