Inject

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdʒɛkt/

Definitions

• To introduce a substance into something, often through a needle or other means of penetration.
• To introduce something (such as an idea, emotion, or quality) into a situation or environment.
• To add energy or vitality to a process or system.

Usage Examples

• The doctor will inject the vaccine into the patient's arm.
• She tried to inject humor into the conversation to lighten the mood.
• The coach injected new energy into the team after the break.

Etymology

The word "inject" comes from the Latin "injectus," the past participle of "injicere," meaning "to throw into." The prefix "in-" means "into," and "jacere" means "to throw." The word entered English in the 16th century, originally used to describe the act of throwing or placing something into a body or space.

Synonyms

• Administer
• Infuse
• Introduce
• Insert
• Impart

Antonyms

• Extract
• Remove
• Withdraw
• Take out
• Empty

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "inject" may be more pronounced with the "j" sounding like a "y" (e.g., /ɪnˈjɛkt/ in British English), while in other places, the "j" may sound more like the "j" in "jump" (e.g., /ɪnˈdʒɛkt/ in American English).

Historical Usage

The word "inject" has been used since the early 16th century, initially in the sense of throwing something into a space, often in medical contexts. Over time, the meaning broadened to include the introduction of ideas, substances, and energy into various processes, from scientific to social and political arenas.

Cultural Nuances

In the medical field, the word "inject" carries a strong association with the administration of vaccines, medications, and treatments. In everyday language, "inject" can also refer metaphorically to introducing a new element, such as enthusiasm or innovation, into a conversation or activity.

More Information

To inject something physically, such as medicine or a vaccine, is typically done with a syringe, although the term can also refer to inserting substances into other systems or processes. It’s also frequently used metaphorically to describe adding something to an ongoing process—such as "injecting energy into a team" or "injecting humor into a conversation." The act of injecting, while commonly associated with medical or technical procedures, also carries the broader meaning of introducing or infusing new elements into various spheres of life.