What does it mean to "imbue" something?

To "imbue" something means to spread or infuse it throughout, often implying the instillation of a quality or characteristic deeply into an object, idea, or person. When something is imbued, it becomes saturated or infused with particular qualities or feelings, such as a spirit, emotion, or ethos. For example, one might say a piece of art is imbued with a sense of tranquility, meaning that quality permeates the entire work.

This term is often used in contexts involving art, literature, and culture, where an artist or author imbues their work with themes or sentiments that resonate with the audience. The depth and significance of the word "imbue" lie in this notion of being completely interwoven or blended with the essence of what is being described. The other options suggest actions that do not capture this sense of spreading or infusing a quality or characteristic.