inspire

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈspʌɪə/

verb

[with object]
  • 1fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative: his philosophy inspired a later generation of environmentalists [with object and infinitive]: his passion for literature inspired him to begin writing
  • create (a feeling, especially a positive one) in a person: their past record does not inspire confidence
  • (inspire someone with) animate someone with (a feeling): he inspired his students with a vision of freedom
  • give rise to: the film was successful enough to inspire a sequel
  • 2breathe in (air); inhale: they can expand their lungs and inspire enough gas to satisfy oxygen requirements

Derivatives

inspirer

noun

Origin:

Middle English enspire, from Old French inspirer, from Latin inspirare 'breathe or blow into' from in- 'into' + spirare 'breathe'. The word was originally used of a divine or supernatural being, in the sense 'impart a truth or idea to someone'