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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Inform \In*form"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Informed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Informing}.] [OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L.
informare; pref. in- in formare to form, share, fr. forma
form. See {Form}.]
1. To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing
power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with
vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion. "The
informing Word." --Coleridge.
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Let others better mold the running mass
Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. --Dryden.
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Breath informs this fleeting frame. --Prior.
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Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
--Pope.
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2. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to
acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to
enlighten; -- usually followed by of.
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For he would learn their business secretly,
And then inform his master hastily. --Spenser.
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I am informed thoroughly of the cause. --Shak.
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3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of
accusation; to warn against anybody.
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Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
--Acts xxiv.
1.

Syn: To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten;
animate; fashion.
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Informed \In*formed"\ ([i^]n*f[^o]rmd"), a.
Unformed or ill-formed; deformed; shapeless. [Obs.]
--Spenser.
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{Informed stars}. See under {Unformed}.
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