impregnate
UK: ɪmˈprɛɡneɪt | US: ɪmˈprɛɡneɪt
vt. to make pregnant; fertilize
vt. to saturate or infuse (a substance) with another substance
vt. to imbue or inspire deeply (with ideas, qualities, etc.)
impregnate = im<in, into> + pregn<pregnant, carry> + ate<verb suffix>
- im (prefix): from Latin "in-," meaning "into" or "in."
- pregn (root): from Latin "praegnans," meaning "pregnant" or "carrying."
- ate (suffix): a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word "impregnate" traces back to Latin impraegnare, combining in- (into) and praegnans (pregnant). Originally, it referred to making someone or something pregnant. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe saturating a material (e.g., impregnating wood with resin) or imbuing someone with ideas. The root "pregn" persists in related words like "pregnancy" and "pregnant," retaining its core idea of "carrying."
The veterinarian helped impregnate the cow through artificial insemination.
The fabric was impregnated with a waterproof coating.
His travels impregnated his mind with new cultural perspectives.
Scientists impregnated the soil with nutrients to boost plant growth.
The novel is impregnated with themes of resilience and hope.