steep2

 
Pronunciation: /stiːp/

verb

[with object]
  • 1soak (food or tea) in water or other liquid so as to extract its flavour or to soften it: the chillies are steeped in olive oil [no object]: the noodles should be left to steep for 3-4 minutes
  • soak or saturate (cloth) in water or other liquid: sheets were steeped in mercury sulphate as a disinfectant
  • 2 (usually be steeped in) surround or fill with a quality or influence: a city steeped in history

Origin:

Middle English: of Germanic origin; related to stoup