inform Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to
- I informed him of his rights
verb give character or essence to
- The principles that inform modern teaching
verb act as an informer
- She had informed on her own parents for years

L. informis; pref. in- not + forma form, shape: cf. F. informe

OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L. informare; pref. in- in + formare to form, share, fr. forma form. See Form.

imperfect & past participle Informed ; present participle & verbal noun Informing

To give form or share to; to give vital ororganizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.
"The informing Word." Coleridge.

Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. Dryden.

Breath informs this fleeting frame. Prior.

Breathes in our soul,informs our mortal part. Pope.
To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; -- usually followed by of.
For he would learn their business secretly, And then inform his master hastily. Spenser.

I am informed thoroughky of the cause. Shak.
To communicate a knowledge of facts to,by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul. Acts xxiv. 1.
Syn. -- To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten; animate; fashion.

To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear. Obs.
It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Shak.
To give intelligence or information; to tell. Shak.
He might either teach in the same manner,or inform how he had been taught. Monthly Rev.