inspire

in·spire

verb \in-ˈspī(-ə)r\

in·spiredin·spir·ing

Definition of INSPIRE

transitive verb

1

a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on <was particularly inspired by the Romanticists> c : to spur on : impel, motivate <threats don't necessarily inspire people to work> d : affect <seeing the old room again inspired him with nostalgia>

2

a archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon b archaic : to infuse (as life) by breathing

3

a : to communicate to an agent supernaturally b : to draw forth or bring out <thoughts inspired by a visit to the cathedral>

4

: inhale 1

5

a : bring about, occasion <the book was inspired by his travels in the Far East> b : incite

6

: to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another

intransitive verb

: inhale

— in·spir·er noun

Examples of INSPIRE

1. He inspired generations of future scientists.
2. Her courage has inspired us.
3. His discoveries inspired a whole new line of scientific research.
4. Her first novel was inspired by her early childhood.
5. The news inspired hope that the war might end soon.

Origin of INSPIRE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French inspirer, from Latin inspirare, from in- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INSPIRE

Synonyms: bear up, buck up, buoy (up), cheer (up), chirk (up), embolden, hearten, encourage, inspirit, steel

Antonyms: daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Related Words: animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Near Antonyms: demoralize, depress, sadden; debilitate, enfeeble, hamstring, undermine, weaken; intimidate, psych (out)

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Rhymes with INSPIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sapphire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar