INFORM', v.t. [L. informo, to shape; in and formo, forma, form.] Properly, to give form or shape to, but in this sense not used. 1. To animate; to give life to; to actuate by vital powers. Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. Breath informs this fleeting frame. --Breathes in our soul, informs our vital part.[This use is chiefly or wholly poetical.]2. To instruct; to tell to; to acquaint; to communicate knowledge to; to make known to by word or writing; usually followed by of. Before we judge, we should be well informed of the facts relating to the case. A messenger arrived and informed the commander of the state of the troops. Letters from Europe inform us of the commencement of hostilities between the Persians and Turks.3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to one by way of accusation. Tertullus informed the governor against Paul. Acts.24.In this application the verb is usually intransitive; as, A informed against B. INFORM', v.i. To give intelligence. He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught--To inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation; to give intelligence of a breach of law. Two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A. INFORM', a. [L. informis.] Without regular form; shapeless; ugly.
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