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v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires v.tr. 1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. 2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism. 3. a. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus. See Synonyms at encourage. b. To cause (someone) to have a particular feeling; affect or touch: "At this moment he inspired her with disgust rather than with love" (Anthony Trollope). 4. To cause someone to have (a feeling or reaction); elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect. 5. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations. 6. To draw in (air) by inhaling. 7. Archaic a. To breathe on. b. To breathe life into. v.intr. 1. To stimulate energies, ideals, or reverence: a leader who inspires by example. 2. To inhale. [Middle English enspiren, from Old French enspirer, from Latin īnspīrāre : in-, into; see IN-2 + spīrāre, to breathe.] in·spirer n. |
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