Inform | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

In-fōrm′, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. INFORMED; p. pr. & vb. n. INFORMING.] [Fr. informer, Fr., Sp., & Pg. informar, It. & Lat. informare; from Lat. in and formare, to form, shape; from forma, form, shape.]

Sense 1. To give form or shape to. [Rare.] “The informing Word.” Coleridge.

Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. Dryden.

Sense 2. To give organizing power to; to animate; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality.

Breath informs this fleeting frame. Prior.

Breathes in our soul, informs our vital part. Pope.

Sense 3. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to advise; to instruct; to tell;—usually followed by of.

I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Shak.

Sense 4. To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation.

Tertullus informed the governor against Paul. Acts xxiv. 1.

Synonyms—To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct.

In-fōrm', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. 1. To take form; to appear. [Obs.]

It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Shak.

Sense 2. To give intelligence or information. Shak.

He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught. Monthly Rev.

To inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation against; to give intelligence of a breach of law by; as, two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A.

In-fôrm', a.

adjective

a. [Lat. informis, from prefix in, not, and forma, form, shape; Fr., It., & Sp. informe.] Without regular form; shapeless; ugly. [Obs.]