ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Inspire

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ɪnˈspaɪə(ɹ)/ · Part of speech verb

Quick meaning: Inspire is a verb meaning (ambitransitive) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

More Meanings

  1. To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
  2. (transitive) To spread rumour indirectly.
  3. (transitive) 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.
  4. (transitive) To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.
  5. (archaic, transitive) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.

Example Sentences

Dawning day new comfort hath inspired.
Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
The captain's speech was aimed to inspire her team to victory in the final.

Word Forms

Synonyms for inspire

Depending on context, synonyms include beghast, prompt, exalt, urge, instigate, invigorate.

Antonyms for inspire

Common opposites include expire.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include exalt, exhort, revolutionize, enliven, invigorate, instigate.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.