insinuate
VerbWordNet 3.0
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. i.
1.To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices. [1913 Webster]
2.To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning. [1913 Webster]
He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
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.] [1913 Webster]
1.To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. [1913 Webster]
The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables.— Woodward.[1913 Webster]
2.To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. [1913 Webster]
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.[1913 Webster]
Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]
3.To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything? [1913 Webster]
4.To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used reflexively. [1913 Webster]
He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham.— Clarendon.
Syn: To instill; hint; suggest; intimate. [1913 Webster]