Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Insinuate?

\In*sin"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Insinuated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Insinuating}.] [L. insinuatus, p. p. of insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See {Sinuous}.] 1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. --Woodward. 2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment. --Locke. Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. --Dryden. 3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything? 4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used reflexively. He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. --Clarendon. Syn: To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
\In*sin"u*ate\, v. i. 1. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices. 2. To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. --Shak. To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. --Shak.