Inspire

Inspire In*spire" ([i^]n*sp[imac]r"), v. t. [OE. enspiren, OF. enspirer, inspirer, F. inspirer, fr. L. inspirare; pref. in- in + spirare to breathe. See {Spirit}.] [1913 Webster] 1. To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate. [1913 Webster]

When Zephirus eek, with his sweete breath, Inspir[`e]d hath in every holt and heath The tender crops. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing, The breathing instruments inspire. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

2. To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing. [1913 Webster]

He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul. --Wisdom xv. 11. [1913 Webster]

3. To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; -- opposed to {expire}. [1913 Webster]

Forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty. --Harvey. [1913 Webster]

4. 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. [1913 Webster]

And generous stout courage did inspire. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

But dawning day new comfort hath inspired. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens, or exalts; to communicate inspiration to; as, to inspire a child with sentiments of virtue; to inspire a person to do extraordinary feats. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Erato, thy poet's mind inspire, And fill his soul with thy celestial fire. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]