Definition of: invest

(in·vest′) v.t.
1. To use (money or capital) for the purchase of property, stocks, securities, etc., with the expectation of future profit or income.
2. To place in office formally; install.
3. To give power, authority, or rank to.
4. To cover or surround as if with a garment: Mystery invested the whole affair.
5. To surround or hem in; lay siege to.
6. Rare To confer or settle (a right, power, etc.): with in.
7. Obs. To clothe; also, to don.
—v.i.
8. To make an investment or investments. [<L investire clothe, enshroud <in- on + vestire clothe <vestis clothing; infl. in meaning by Ital. investire invest]
—in·ves′tor noun