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v. in·formed, in·form·ing, in·forms v.tr. 1. a. To impart information to; make aware of something: We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over. b. To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject. 2. a. To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence: "A society's strength is measured by ... its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards" (Vanity Fair). b. To be a formative or characterizing presence in; animate: "It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist" (Jeff Shear). 3. Obsolete To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training. v.intr. 1. To give or provide information. 2. To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority: The defendant informed against the other members of the ring. [Middle English enfourmen, informen, from Old French enfourmer, from Latin īnfōrmāre : in-, in; see IN-2 + fōrmāre, to fashion (from fōrma, form).] |
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