What does infused mean?
Infused describes the result of introducing a substance, flavour, quality, or idea into something else. In practical contexts, food or drink may be infused with herbs, spices, oils, or aromas, while a room or artwork may be infused with light, atmosphere, or emotion. The verb use, in its past-tense and past-participle form, can also mean to permeate something with a quality: a speech may infuse listeners with confidence, or a teacher may infuse a class with curiosity. The word often suggests a deep or lasting effect rather than a merely superficial addition. Its figurative uses are especially common in formal writing, where they convey the idea of enriching, inspiring, or thoroughly pervading something. Because it is more expressive and literary than simple words such as “filled” or “mixed,” it is particularly effective when describing food, atmosphere, ideas, and emotions.
To permeate or fill something with a substance, flavour, quality, or idea; also, to steep something so that it absorbs a flavour or property.
"The chef infused the oil with garlic and rosemary."
The past form is especially common in the passive construction “infused with.”
Permeated or filled with a substance, quality, or atmosphere.
"The restaurant was infused with the scent of freshly baked bread."
Literary and descriptive uses often express a strong, pervasive emotional or atmospheric effect.
An infusion can transform a plain drink, a story, or even a room by introducing a concentrated quality into it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infused come from?
The word comes through English “infuse,” from Latin infundere, meaning “to pour into.” The Latin verb combines the prefix in- and fundere, “to pour.” Related words include “infusion” and “infundibulum,” the Latin word for a funnel, reflecting the idea of pouring a liquid into a vessel.
Related word forms
How infused is actually used
Common in formal and literary contexts as well as culinary and wellness contexts. The phrase “infused with” is especially frequent, while “infuse someone with” can sound more formal than everyday alternatives such as “fill someone with.”