Definition of: inspire

(in·spīr′) v. ·spired, ·spir·ing v.t.
1. To stir or affect by some mental or spiritual influence; stimulate; animate; A brave leader inspires his followers.
2. To affect or imbue with a specified idea or feeling: to inspire survivors with hope.
3. To arouse or give rise to; generate: Fear inspires hatred.
4. To motivate or cause by supernatural influence or guidance.
5. To draw into the lungs; inhale.
6. To prompt the saying or writing of indirectly so as to avoid responsibility: This rumor was inspired by my enemies.
7. Obs. To blow or breathe into or upon.
—v.i.
8. To draw in breath; inhale.
9. To give or provide inspiration. See synonyms under ENCOURAGE. [<OF enspirer <L inspirare breathe into <in- into + spirare breathe]
—in·spir′er noun