Dictionary entries for 'inspire'

Synonyms

in·spire (ĭn-spīŕ)

[Middle English enspiren, from Old French enspirer, from Latin īnspīrāre, in-, into; see in–², + spīrāre, to breathe.]

verb: -spired, -spir·ing, -spires.

To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.
1. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.
2. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.
To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.
To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.
To draw in (air) by inhaling.
Archaic
1. To breathe on.
2. To breathe life into.

To stimulate energies, ideals, or reverence: a leader who inspires by example.
To inhale.