inspire

verb

in·​spire in-ˈspī(-ə)r 

inspired; inspiring

transitive verb

1

a

: to spur on : impel, motivate

threats don't necessarily inspire people to work

b

: to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on

was particularly inspired by the Romanticists

c

: affect

seeing the old room again inspired him with nostalgia

d

: to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration

2

a

: bring about, occasion

the book was inspired by his travels in the Far East

b

: incite

3

a

: to draw forth or bring out

thoughts inspired by a visit to the cathedral

b

: to communicate to an agent supernaturally

4

: inhale sense 1

5

: to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another

6

a

archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon

b

archaic : to infuse (something, such as life) by breathing

… inspired into him an active soul …

—Wisdom of Solomon 15:11

intransitive verb

: inhale

inspirer noun

Did you know?

More on the Meaning of Inspire

When inspire first came into use in the 14th century it had a meaning it still carries in English today: “to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural influence or action.” It’s this use that we see in phrases like “scripture inspired by God,” where the idea is that God shaped the scripture in an active and explicit way.

The meaning is a metaphorical extension of the word's Latin root: inspirare means "to breathe or blow into." The metaphor is a powerful one, with the very breath of a divine or supernatural force asserted as being at work.

The metaphor developed further, with inspire gaining similar but somewhat weaker meanings. Someone who is inspired by a particular artist, for example, is influenced by that artist in a way that animates or intensifies their own work. Something that inspires people to action motivates them. And if we say that something has inspired an emotion, thought, or idea, we are saying that it somehow had a part in its coming to be.

The word inspire has also drawn on the meaning of its literal root over the years, with meanings like "inhale," "to breathe or blow into or upon," and "to infuse (something, such as life) by breathing," but these meanings are not commonly encountered in modern use.

Synonyms

• bear up
• buck up
• buoy (up)
• cheer (up)
• chirk (up)
• embolden
• encourage
• hearten
• inspirit
• steel

Examples of inspire in a Sentence

He inspired generations of future scientists.

Her courage has inspired us.

His discoveries inspired a whole new line of scientific research.

Her first novel was inspired by her early childhood.

The news inspired hope that the war might end soon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Estrid Ericson’s vision was to create a unique aesthetic that would blend classic Scandinavian simplicity with bold, colorful patterns inspired by global traditions. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024

The collection scents include: • Green Bean Casserole – A rich, savory scent inspired by the classic casserole dish that Campbell’s debuted in 1955. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024

Shaker cabinets inset with mauve pink grass cloth and outfitted with vintage brass swan pulls stand opposite a spacious marble vanity inspired by her mother’s. —Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024

The feature, inspired by a true story and based on an article by Hampton Sides, follows a former Olympic runner who attempts a return to glory in the world’s toughest footrace, the Marathon des Sables, a series of back-to-back marathons across the Sahara Desert. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French inspirer, from Latin inspirare, from in- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1d

Kids Definition

inspire

verb

in·​spire in-ˈspī(ə)r 

inspired; inspiring

1

: to move or guide by divine influence

prophets inspired by God

2

a

: to stimulate to greater or higher activity : make spirited

inspired by his parents

b

: to cause to have a particular thought or feeling

the old house inspired her with longing for the past

c

: to cause a feeling of : arouse

inspires confidence in her followers

3

: inhale

4

: bring about

studies that inspired several inventions

inspirer noun

Medical Definition

inspire

verb

in·​spire in-ˈspī(ə)r 

inspired; inspiring

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing : breathe in : inhale

the volume of air inspired

intransitive verb

: to draw in breath : inhale air into the lungs