What does it mean to 'imbue' something?

To 'imbue' something means to fill it completely with a feeling or idea, which makes the choice of definition B the correct one. The term originates from Latin, where it carries connotations of infusing or saturating an object or concept with particular qualities or sentiments. In practical usage, 'imbue' often refers to instilling thoughts, emotions, or principles into someone or something to the point that they become a defining characteristic. For example, an artist might imbue their work with personal beliefs, making those beliefs an integral part of the expression.

The other definitions don't align with the essence of 'imbue.' For instance, emptying of feeling suggests a removal or lack of sentiment, which is contrary to the idea of infusing something with feelings. Similarly, decorating superficially implies a light or surface-level change rather than a deep or fundamental one, while analyzing in depth focuses on examination rather than infusion. Thus, the essence of 'imbuing' being about filling or saturating aligns perfectly with choice B.