Pronunciation: [sʌfjˈuːz] (IPA) 
Suffuse is a verb pronounced /səˈfjuːz/. It means to spread or fill with a particular quality or emotion, such as warmth or a sense of calm. The first syllable is pronounced as "suh," rhyming with "uh." The second syllable is pronounced as "fyooz," rhyming with "news." The letter "s" is followed by a double "f," which indicates a long vowel sound. The final "e" is silent, as is often the case with many English words.
The verb "suffuse" refers to the act of spreading or diffusing something throughout a space, object, or area. It often describes the process of permeating or enveloping something with a particular quality, feeling, or color. When something is suffused, it becomes immersed or saturated with the element being spread.
In a physical sense, "suffuse" can be used to describe how a liquid or substance spreads and fills an object or surface, creating an all-encompassing or pervasive effect. For example, one might say that a warm glow suffused the room as the sunlight streamed through the windows, indicating that the light gently spread throughout the space, creating a comforting atmosphere.
In a more metaphorical sense, "suffuse" can describe the way emotions, thoughts, or qualities saturate a person or situation. It suggests that these elements become deeply ingrained or pervasive, affecting every aspect. For instance, one might say that a sense of joy suffused the room as friends gathered to celebrate a special occasion, indicating that an atmosphere of happiness thoroughly permeated the gathering.
Overall, "suffuse" conveys the idea of something being filled, spread, or infused throughout, whether it be a physical substance, a quality, or a feeling. It captures the notion of permeation and the total immersion of an object, space, or person.
To overspread with something expansible, as with a fluid, tincture, or colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word suffuse originated from the Middle English term suffusen, which was derived from Latin suffundere. The Latin verb suffundere is a combination of the prefix sub, meaning under, and fundere, meaning to pour. Together, suffundere means to pour under or to pour over. Over time, the term evolved into suffuse in English, retaining the same meaning of to spread or pour over.
