Invent Definition

ĭn-vĕnt

invented, inventing, invents

verb

invented, inventing, invents

To produce or contrive (something previously unknown) by the use of ingenuity or imagination.

American Heritage

To think up; devise or fabricate in the mind.

To invent excuses.

Webster's New World

To think out or produce (a new device, process, etc.); originate, as by experiment; devise for the first time.

Webster's New World

To find; discover.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Invent

From Middle English inventen, from Old French inventer, from Latin inventus, perfect passive participle of inveniō (“come upon, meet with, find, discover”), from in (“in, on”) + veniō (“come”); see venture. Compare advent, covent, event, prevent, etc.

From Wiktionary
Latin invenīre invent- to find in- on, upon in–² venīre to come gwā- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition