inspire

Definitions

1. 1.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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 5.To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; -- opposed to expire.
6. 6.To breathe; to blow gently. [Obs.] And when the wind amongst them did inspire, They wavèd like a penon wide dispread. Spenser.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "inspire" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is inspire.

• What is 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 called?
• What is 3. To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; -- opposed to expire. Forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty. Harvey called?
• What is to draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; -- opposed to expire called?
• What is to breathe; to blow gently. [Obs.] And when the wind amongst them did inspire, They wavèd like a penon wide dispread. Spenser called?