In·oc·u·late v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inoculated p. pr. & vb. n. Inoculating ]
 1. To bud; to insert, or graft, as the bud of a tree or plant in another tree or plant.
 2. To insert a foreign bud into; as, to inoculate a tree.
 3. Med. To communicate a disease to (a person) by inserting infectious matter in the skin or flesh, especially as a means of inducing immunological resistance to that or related diseases; as, to inoculate a person with the virus of smallpox, rabies, etc.  See Vaccinate.
 4. Fig.: To introduce into the mind; -- used especially of harmful ideas or principles; to imbue; as, to inoculate one with treason or infidelity.