to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence

His courage inspired his followers.

to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.)

to inspire confidence in others.

to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.

to inspire a person with distrust.

to influence or impel

Competition inspired her to greater efforts.

to animate, as an influence, feeling, thought, or the like, does

They were inspired by a belief in a better future.

to communicate or suggest by a divine or supernatural influence

writings inspired by God.

to guide or control by divine influence.

to prompt or instigate (utterances, acts, etc.) by influence, without avowal of responsibility.

to give rise to, bring about, cause, etc.

a philosophy that inspired a revolution.

to take (air, gases, etc.) into the lungs in breathing; inhale.

Archaic .

to infuse (breath, life, etc.) by breathing (usually fol. by into ).

to breathe into or upon.

to give inspiration.

to inhale.

verb

discourage , dissuade

verb

affect , animate , arouse , be responsible for , carry , cause , commove , elate , embolden , endue , enkindle , enliven , exalt , excite , exhilarate , fire up , galvanize , get * , give impetus , give one an idea , give rise to , hearten , imbue , impress , infect , inflame , influence , inform , infuse , inspirit , instill , invigorate , motivate , occasion , produce , provoke , quicken , reassure , set up , spark , spur , start off , stir , strike , sway , touch , trigger , urge , work up , impassion , kindle , buoy , elevate , flush , lift , uplift , cheer , egg on , foment , goad , impel , incite , instigate , move , pique , prick , prod , prompt , propel , set off , stimulate , touch off , inhale , encourage , fire