Definition of: animate

(an′ə·māt) v.t. ·mat·ed, ·mat·ing
1. To impart life to; make alive.
2. To move to action; incite; inspire: What motives animated him?
3. To produce activity or energy in: The wind animated the flags. See synonyms under ENCOURAGE, STIMULATE, STIR¹
—adjective (an′ə·mit)
1. Possessing animal life; living.
2. Vivacious; lively. Also an′i·mat′ed. See synonyms under AIRY, ALIVE, EAGER, SANGUINE, VIVID. [ < L animatus, pp. of animare to fill with breath, make alive < anima breath, soul]
—an′i.mat′ed·ly adverb