Definition of invest

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in·vest    (n-vst) KEY 

VERB:
in·vest·ed, in·vest·ing, in·vests
VERB:
tr.

1. To commit (money or capital) in order to gain a financial return: invested their savings in stocks and bonds.
2. 1. To spend or devote for future advantage or benefit: invested much time and energy in getting a good education.
   2. To devote morally or psychologically, as to a purpose; commit: "Men of our generation are invested in what they do, women in what we are" (Shana Alexander).
3. To endow with authority or power.
4. To install in office with ceremony: invest a new emperor.
5. To endow with an enveloping or pervasive quality: "A charm invests a face/Imperfectly beheld" (Emily Dickinson).
6. To clothe; adorn.
7. To cover completely; envelop.
8. To surround with troops or ships; besiege. See Synonyms at besiege.

VERB:
intr.

To make investments or an investment: invest in real estate.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From Italian investire, and from French investir both from Latin investre, to clothe, surround : in-, in ; see in-² + vestre, to clothe (from vestis, clothes; see wes-² in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
in·vesta·ble(Adjective), in·vestor(Noun)