To impart information to; make aware of something: We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over.
To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject.
To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence: "A society's strength is measured by . . . its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards” ( Vanity Fair).
To be a pervasive presence in; animate: "It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist” ( Jeff Shear).
Obsolete To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training.
To give or provide information.
To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority: The defendant informed against the other members of the ring.