INFORM', verb transitive [Latin 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 24:1.

In this application the verb is usually intransitive; as, A informed against B.

INFORM', verb intransitive 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 adjective

INFORM', adjective [Latin informis.] Without regular form; shapeless; ugly.