SKIP TO CONTENT

transfuse

/træntsˈfjuz/
IPA guide

Other forms: transfused; transfusing; transfuses

To transfuse is to transfer blood from one person to another. If a vampire offers to transfuse your blood, say no and wait for the nurse. To transfuse also refers to instilling less physical things in people, like enthusiasm.

If you've ever lost blood, you may have needed a transfusion: blood from someone else pumped into you. When a doctor or nurse performs a transfusion, they're transfusing you. This word applies to other situations where something is being passed along. A good coach can transfuse confidence to their team. Teachers transfuse knowledge and skill. This kind of transfusing is usually a gradual process; transfusing blood is quicker.

Definitions of transfuse
  1. verb
    give a transfusion (e.g., of blood) to
    see moresee less
    type of:
    administer, dispense
    give or apply (medications)
  2. verb
    pour out of one vessel into another
    see moresee less
    type of:
    pour
    cause to run
  3. verb
    impart gradually
    transfuse love of music into the students”
    synonyms: instill
    see moresee less
    types:
    breathe
    impart as if by breathing
    type of:
    add, bestow, bring, contribute, impart, lend
    bestow a quality on
  4. verb
    treat by applying evacuated cups to the patient's skin
    synonyms: cup
    see moresee less
    type of:
    care for, treat
    provide treatment for
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘transfuse'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family