Word Direct Answers

What does "inspire" mean?

Inspire: To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing. He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul. Wisdom xv.

Additional senses

  1. 2.3. To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; -- opposed to expire. Forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty. Harvey.
  2. 3.To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration. And generous stout courage did inspire. Spenser. But dawning day new comfort hath inspired. Shak.
  3. 4.To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens, or exalts; to communicate inspiration to; as, to inspire a child with sentiments of virtue. Erato, thy poet's mind inspire, And fill his soul with thy celestial fire. Dryden.
  4. 5.To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; -- opposed to expire.
  5. 6.To breathe; to blow gently. [Obs.] And when the wind amongst them did inspire, They wavèd like a penon wide dispread. Spenser.

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