introducev.
/ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs/, /ˌɪntrəˈdʒuːs/, U.S. /ˌɪntrəˈd(j)us/, /ˌɪntroʊˈd(j)us/ General Sense: To lead or bring in (a person or thing) into a place, position, state, condition, or relation to something, or into a circle or series of persons or things; to cause, by any kind of direct action, (a person or thing) to enter or be included or comprised within any sphere or circle; to insert, interpose, etc. Hence, to bring (a person) into the circle of the knowledge, acquaintance, or recognition of another or others.† 4. To bring on, bring about, give rise to, occasion, induce. Obsolete.† 6. To bring (a person) into the knowledge of something; to initiate; to teach, instruct. Obsolete.
1.
a. transitive. To lead or bring into a place, or into the inside or midst of something; to bring in, conduct inwards. (In quots. 16981, 16982 with double object.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > bring in
bringc950
inbringc1000
embringc1325
inveigh1486
importa1529
introduct1570
introduce1639
in1825
wheel1970
1639 T. B. tr. J.-P. Camus Certain Moral Relations in S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 216 He used such meanes that he introduced himselfe into this Castle.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 151 We were introduced the Vice-Roys Presence.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 398 Alighting they are introduced the Guest-Chamber.
1756 P. Browne Civil & Nat. Hist. Jamaica ii. ii. 230 This shrub has been but lately introduced to, or cultivated in Jamaica.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales I. 25 Byron gave orders to Tita to introduce the monkey and bulldog.
1873 H. B. Tristram Land of Moab i. 4 The Adwân..whose inability to introduce any one into the Highlands of Moab I had experienced.
b. To put or place in from without, to insert.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > insertion or putting in > insert or put in [verb (transitive)]
to do ineOE
to put ina1300
insetc1374
to throw ina1382
inducec1420
intriec1420
to set ina1425
tryc1440
enter1489
insert1529
turn1544
insere1557
infer1572
input1593
intromitc1600
introduce1695
to run in1756
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 21 Sparry and Flinty Matter being then soft, or in..solution..when it was thus introduced into these shelly-Moulds.
1807 T. Thomson Syst. Chem. (ed. 3) II. 379 He..reduced it to powder, and introduced it while yet warm into a retort.
1869 J. Tyndall Notes 9 Lect. on Light 44 If two or more metals be introduced into the flame at the same time.
c. To usher or bring (a person) into a society or body; also, †into a state or condition (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition
set971
haveOE
wendOE
to bring onc1230
teemc1275
putc1330
run1391
casta1400
laya1400
stead1488
constitute1490
render1490
takea1530
introduce1532
deduce1545
throw?1548
derive?c1550
turn1577
to work up1591
estate1605
arrive1607
state1607
enduea1616
assert1638
sublime1654
to run up1657
society > society and the community > [verb (transitive)] > introduce (a person) into society
introduce1766
to bring out1790
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 341/2 Then haue ye his introduccion into Sayncte Poules pistle, with whiche he introduceth and bringeth his reders into a false vnderstanding of saynt Poule.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvi. 161 This was considered by us all as an indication of his desire to be introduced into the family.
1844 T. B. Macaulay Earl of Chatham in Ess. (1887) 824 On the same day..Bute was not only sworn of the Privy Council, but introduced into the Cabinet.
2. To bring (a thing) into some sphere of action or thought; to bring in in the course of some action or in a literary or artistic composition; to add or insert as a feature or element. Sometimes with the notion of bringing in for the first time or as a new feature.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > introduction or bringing in > introduce or bring something in [verb (transitive)]
inbringc1000
induce1401
to bring up1484
invect1548
introduce1559
inject1639
usher1679
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] > present by literary treatment
beloukOE
induce1484
handle1531
introduce1559
manage1697
write1781
plant1948
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 82 The Poets in their tragedies, introduce persons comming out from under th' earth and call that place Hell.
1647 C. Cotterell & W. Aylesbury tr. E. C. Davila Hist. Civill Warres France ii. 62 Abuses that were introduced in the Government.
1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. ii. 11 They introduced unlawful rites into the Leiturgies of the Church.
1676 tr. G. Guillet de Saint-Georges Acct. Voy. Athens 268 In the action of those heroick parts it is impossible the Comœdian should introduce that baseness of Gesture.
1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric II. xxx. 130 If that thought..does not anticipate any thing that is afterwards to be introduced in a more proper place.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 583 Amendments were introduced which greatly mitigated the severity of the bill.
1883 C. J. Wills In Land of Lion & Sun 288 The gentle~man on the mention of the word..would instantly introduce the quotation.
3. To bring into use or practice; to bring into vogue or fashion; to institute (a law, custom, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use > bring into use or practice
induce1401
hatch1549
introduct1570
introduce1603
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. i. 480 Witoldus Prince of Lituania, introduced an order with that nation..that the partie condemned to die, should with his owne handes make himselfe away.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 171 Upon the Twelfth day, they rebaptize yearely;..a custome introduced not past a hundred yeares since.
1775 S. Johnson Journey W. Islands 243 The principle upon which extemporary prayer was originally introduced, is no longer admitted.
1805 Edinb. Rev. 6 82 (note) Hudson..introduced..these anglicised botanic names.
1861 J. H. Parker Introd. Study Gothic Archit. (ed. 2) iii. 24 The Norman style was introduced into England in the time of Edward the Confessor.
1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. v. 205 The Julian calendar was introduced in the year 44 b.c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)]
wieldeOE
timberc897
letc900
rearOE
doOE
i-wendeOE
workOE
makeOE
bringc1175
raisec1175
shapec1315
to owe (also have) a wold (also on wield)a1325
procurec1330
purchasec1330
causec1340
conform1377
performa1382
excite1398
induce1413
occasionate?c1450
occasionc1454
to bring about1480
gara1500
to bring to passc1513
encause1527
to work out1534
inferc1540
excitate?1549
import1550
ycause1563
frame1576
effect1581
to bring in1584
effectuatea1586
apport?1591
introduce1605
create1607
generate1607
cast1633
efficiate1639
conciliate1646
impetrate1647
state1654
accompass1668
to bring to bear1668
to bring on1671
effectivate1717
makee1719
superinduce1837
birth1913
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Tt3 Introducing such an health of mind, as was that health of body, of which Aristotle speaketh of Herodicus. View more context for this quotation
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 102 Grace of Regeneration..introduceth gracious habits of sweetnesse, peace and love.
1651 T. Hobbes Philos. Rudim. iii. §11. 45 To hurt another without reason introduces a warre.
1693 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. §123. 153 Whatsoever introduces Habits, and settles Customs in them, deserves the Care and attention of their Governours.
5. To usher in (a time, action, matter, etc.); to bring forward with preliminary or preparatory matter; to start, open, begin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > introduce or be preliminary to
to let into1596
prologuea1616
preface1619
preludea1637
introduce1667
preamble1951
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 368 With Præamble sweet Of charming symphonie they introduce Thir sacred Song. View more context for this quotation
1709 Tatler No. 116. ⁋3 To introduce the Second Argument, they begged Leave to read a Petition of the Rope-Makers.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies II. xliv. 140 Tornadoes, or Squalls of Wind and Rain, introduced with much Thunder and Lightning.
1808 L. Murray Eng. Gram. Illustr. I. iii. 271 When adverbs are emphatical, they may introduce a sentence.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary III. vi. 124 This discussion served to introduce the young soldier's experiences.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > ground or initiate
foundc1394
groundc1405
introduce1475
induce1490
enter?1529
institutea1538
flesh1591
induct1603
initiate1603
principle1608
elementa1639
foundation1661
1475 Bk. Noblesse (Roxb.) 79 And over this that they be lerned and introduced in the drede of God.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 89 He introduysed the Archadyens for to lyue honestly.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 37 Wel I wote that wel ye haue hold alle that I introduysed, or taught you of.
7. To bring into personal acquaintance; to make known to a person or to a circle.
a. Originally to introduce into or to the acquaintance of; hence, to introduce to: to make known in person, esp. in a formal manner, with announcement of name, title, or other identification.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > introduce
enseam1607
to introduce into the acquaintance of1659
produce1686
run1897
1659 J. Evelyn Mem. 26 Nov. (1857) I. 352 I was introduced into the acquaintance of divers learned and worthy persons.
1739 W. Richardson in Swift's Lett. (1768) IV. 227 I will endeavour to introduce Mr. Swift to the acquaintance of some persons before I leave this.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. iii. 23 I begged the landlord would introduce me to a stranger of so much charity as he described.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 70 He introduced himself to my acquaintance.
1786 S. Haswell Victoria I. 80 Give me leave to introduce you the amiable Lady C—ne.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 48 He had been introduced to Charles and James..as a man fit and ready for the infamous service of assassinating the Protector.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 159 Let me introduce some countrymen of mine, I said.
1888 J. Ruskin Præterita III. ii. 92 He prayed permission to introduce his mother and sisters to us.
1900 Corresp. The English rule is that the (conventionally) inferior is introduced to the superior (not the superior to the inferior).
b. To conduct formally into a person's presence; to present formally, as at court, or in an assembly, as the House of Lords or Commons, a society, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > bring in > formally
usher1596
to usher in1613
introduce1685
1685 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 136 Cambridge presented verses to the King. Their Chancellor (Albemarle) would not introduce them.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 69 When he gives Audience, it being their part also to introduce others into the Princes presence.
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 12 Sept. (1965) I. 433 The Chevalier..with great Civillity, begg'd to introduce us at Court.
1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 3 July 1750 Lord Colchester was introduced by Lords Redesdale and Dynevor, and took the oaths and his seat.
1891 Law Times 92 124/2 When a new representative Peer of Ireland has been elected, he is not introduced, but simply takes and subscribes the oath.
c. To bring out into society; spec., in modern use, to bring (a young lady) ‘out’.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > [verb (transitive)] > introduce to social events
introduce1708
1708 R. Steele Tatler No. 127. ⁋ 7 He is always promising..to introduce every man he converses with into the world.
1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. i. 8 Give a girl an education, and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well. View more context for this quotation
1828 Light & Shades II. 307–8 We have daughters to introduce.
1888 F. Hume Madame Midas i. i. 18 Curtis..introduced her to society.
d. To bring to the knowledge of, or make acquainted with, a thing, by actual contact, by experience, description, representation, etc. Const. to.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > inform (a person)
to teach a person a thingc888
meanOE
wiseOE
sayOE
wittera1225
tellc1225
do to witc1275
let witc1275
let seec1330
inform1384
form1399
lerea1400
to wit (a person) to saya1400
learn1425
advertise1431
givec1449
insense?c1450
instruct1489
ascertain1490
let1490
alighta1500
advert1511
signify1523
reform1535
advise1562
partake1565
resolve1568
to do to ware1594
to let into one's knowledge1596
intellect1599
possess1600
acquainta1616
alighten1615
recommenda1616
intelligence1637
apprise1694
appraise1706
introduce1741
avail1785
prime1791
document1807
to put up1811
to put a person au fait of1828
post1847
to keep (someone) straight1862
monish1866
to put next to1896
to put (one) wise (to)1896
voice1898
in the picture1900
to give (someone) a line on1903
to wise up1905
drum1908
hip1932
to fill (someone) in on1945
clue1948
background1961
to mark a person's card1961
to loop in1994
1741 E. Erskine Serm. in Wks. (1871) III. 1 I shall not consume time in introducing myself to these words.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales II. 167 I name Shelley first..I will introduce you to them [Shelley and Byron] presently.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. iv. 61 I must now introduce the reader to a scene then very common in England.
8. † a. To present (an address or the like) formally. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)] > present formally for acceptance
present1424
representc1443
tender1528
introduce1698
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 338 At hand to introduce all Addresses that concern his Office to represent.
b. To bring to the notice or cognizance of a person, etc.; to bring a bill or measure before parliament, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > observe, note [verb (transitive)] > bring to notice
to lay in (a person's) lap1531
submit1560
introduct1570
confer1586
introduce1766
society > law > legislation > make (laws) or establish as law [verb (transitive)] > submit or introduce (a measure)
readc1405
introduce1817
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. viii. 69 To have an opportunity of introducing to the company a ballad.
1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 911 It was his wish that the bills should proceed through the House, pari passu. Only the two he had now introduced were yet ready.
1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 70/2 Finely chopped turnips, meal, etc., which it soon begins to relish if they are properly introduced to its notice.
Derivatives
introˈduced adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by habitat or distribution > [adjective] > relating to non-native flora
non-native1855
adventive1856
pioneer1875
colonizing1880
introduced1884
alien1903
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > introduction or bringing in > [adjective]
introduct?a1475
introductory1605
insititious1639
invecteda1641
introductive1659
non-native1855
introduced1884
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > [adjective] > brought in
introduct?a1475
induct1545
introduced1884
1884 D. Morris Rep. in C. A. Moloney Sketch Forestry W. Afr. (1887) 8 Indigenous and introduced trees.
1890 W. S. Gilbert Foggerty's Fairy & Other Tales 223 The introduced scene with the guinea-pig and the hair-oil.
introˈducing n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > introduction or bringing in > [noun]
importing1568
importation1616
injection1622
introducement1638
introduction1651
introducing1657
usherage1661
usherance1711
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > [noun] > bringing in
inbringinga1387
invection1598
ushering1598
induction1604
importation1616
introducing1657
introduction1710
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > [noun] > bringing into use > bringing to a person's notice
introducing1657
1657 Divine Lover 13 Expulsion of Vicious Habits and inclinations, and an answerable introducing of vertuousnesse.
a1711 T. Ken Serm. preached at Whitehall in Prose Wks. (1838) 166 The introducing of the images of saints and martyrs into churches.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > brothel
houseOE
bordelc1300
whorehousec1330
stew1362
bordel housec1384
stewc1384
stivec1386
stew-house1436
bordelryc1450
brothel house1486
shop?1515
bains1541
common house1545
bawdy-house1552
hothouse1556
bordello1581
brothela1591
trugging house1591
trugging place1591
nunnery1593
vaulting-house1596
leaping house1598
Pickt-hatch1598
garden house1606
vaulting-school1606
flesh-shambles1608
whore-sty1621
bagnioa1640
public house1640
harlot-house1641
warrena1649
academy1650
call house1680
coney burrow1691
case1699
nanny-house1699
house of ill reputea1726
smuggling-ken1725
kip1766
Corinth1785
disorderly house1809
flash-house1816
dress house1823
nanny-shop1825
house of tolerance1842
whore shop1843
drum1846
introducing house1846
khazi1846
fast house1848
harlotry1849
maison de tolérance1852
knocking-shop1860
lupanar1864
assignation house1870
parlour house1871
hook shop1889
sporting house1894
meat house1896
massage parlour1906
case house1912
massage establishment1921
moll-shop1923
camp1925
notch house1926
creep joint1928
slaughterhouse1928
maison de convenance1930
cat-house1931
Bovril1936
maison close1939
joy-house1940
rib joint1940
gaff1947
maison de passe1960
rap parlour1973
1846 ‘Lord Chief Baron’ Swell's Night Guide (new ed.) 41 French introducing houses. These accommodation cribs have become so numerous, that it requires some tact and nous to discover them.
1857 W. Acton Prostitution vii. 97 The establishments of certain procuresses..vulgarly called ‘introducing houses’..are worth notice as the leading centres of the more select circles of prostitution here.
1862 B. Hemyng in H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) Extra vol. 214/1 Under this head [sc. brothels] we must include introducing houses, where the women do not reside, but merely use the house as a place of resort in the daytime.
1955 C. Pearl Girl with Swansdown Seat ii. 36 The Victorian ‘introducing house’ where the pleasant ceremony of introducing wealthy amateurs to willing girls was carried out with dignity and delicacy.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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