invest

The definition of invest is to put valuable resources into something that you expect will give you a personal or financial gain.

(verb)

An example of invest is to put time into building a relationship.
An example of invest is to buy stocks, buying them at a low price to sell later at a higher price.
An example of invest is to start a new business, spending time now to generate income later.

See invest in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to clothe; array; adorn
1. to cover, surround, or envelop like, or as if with, a garment: fog invests the city
2. to endow with qualities, attributes, etc.
to install in office with ceremony
to furnish with power, privilege, or authority
Rare to vest or settle (a power or right) in a person, legislative body, etc.
to put (money) into business, real estate, stocks, bonds, etc. for the purpose of obtaining an income or profit
to spend (time, effort, etc.) with the expectation of some satisfaction
Mil. to hem in or besiege (a town, port, enemy, etc.)

Origin: L investire < in-, in + vestire, to clothe < vestis, clothing: see vest

intransitive verb

to invest money; make an investment

Related Forms:

See invest in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb in·vest·ed, in·vest·ing, in·vests

verb, transitive

To commit (money or capital) in order to gain a financial return: invested their savings in stocks and bonds.
a. To spend or devote for future advantage or benefit: invested much time and energy in getting a good education.
b. To devote morally or psychologically, as to a purpose; commit: “Men of our generation are invested in what they do, women in what we are” (Shana Alexander).
To endow with authority or power.
To install in office with ceremony: invest a new emperor.
To endow with an enveloping or pervasive quality: “A charm invests a face/Imperfectly beheld” (Emily Dickinson).
To clothe; adorn.
To cover completely; envelop.
To surround with troops or ships; besiege. See Synonyms at besiege.