invest

Definition

To spend money, time, or energy on something, especially for some benefit or purpose; used with in.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French investir or Medieval Latin investire, from Latin investio (“to clothe, cover”), from in- (“in, on”) + vestio (“to clothe, dress”), from vestis (“clothing”); see vest. The sense “to spend money etc.” probably via Italian investire, of the same root.

Example Sentences

• "We'd like to thank all the contributors who have invested countless hours into this event."
• "The authors predicted that when believers were deeply invested in a world view that had social support, believers would maintain their beliefs even when actual events disproved their worldview."
• "We did not spend. We invested. [CEO Jeff Housenbold: He's learning!] I invest. Yes, I invested. I invested in a city for the contestants."

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