inspire

present (v1)

inspire

past (v2)

inspired

past participle (v3)

inspired

present participle

inspiring

3rd person singular

inspires

1. 1.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.

   • He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
   • Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans, and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.

2. 2.To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.

   • Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
   • The captain's speech was aimed to inspire her team to victory in the final.

3. 3.To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

   • By means of those sulfurous coal smokes the lungs are as it were stifled and extremely oppressed, whereby they are forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty.

4. 4.To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.

Overall

Uncommon· #2118

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

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Literature

Rare

Word family

• inspiration