inoculate
UK: ɪˈnɒkjʊleɪt | US: ɪˈnɑːkjəleɪt
vt. to introduce a microorganism (e.g., vaccine) into a living organism to induce immunity
vt. to introduce an idea or habit gradually
vt. (archaic) to graft a bud or shoot into a plant
The word "inoculate" traces back to Latin inoculare ("to graft"), from in- (into) + oculus (eye, bud). The term originally referred to grafting a bud (resembling an "eye") into a plant. By the 18th century, it was metaphorically extended to medical contexts, describing the insertion of disease material (e.g., smallpox) into the body to induce immunity—later generalized to vaccinations. The "bud" imagery reflects the idea of implanting something to grow protection.
Doctors inoculate children against measles early in life.
The campaign aimed to inoculate the public against misinformation.
Ancient farmers inoculated fruit trees to improve yields.
Her travels inoculated her with a love for diverse cultures.
The scientist inoculated the culture medium with bacteria.