*in·vent/ɪn`vɛnt; ɪnˈvent/ v [T] 1 to make, design, or produce something for the first time 发明，创造: Who invented the light bulb? 是谁发明了电灯泡？ 2 to think of an idea, excuse etc, usually in order to deceive someone 捏造，编造〔观点、理由等〕: You'll have to invent a better excuse than that! 你找借口也得找个好一点的！