Definition of "inspire" in English

verb

1. (transitive) 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.

2. (transitive) To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.

   • Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
   • The captain's speech was aimed to inspire her team to victory in the final.

3. (ambitransitive) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

4. To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.

5. (archaic, transitive) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.

6. (transitive) To spread rumour indirectly.