GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Inspire , v. t. [OE. enspiren, OF. enspirer, inspirer, F. inspirer, fr. L. inspirare; pref. in- in + spirare to breathe. See Spirit.]
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   To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
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   When Zephirus eek, with his sweete breath,
   Inspirèd hath in every holt and heath
   The tender crops.
   Chaucer.
   
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   Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing,
   The breathing instruments inspire.
   Pope.
   
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   To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
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   He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
   Wisdom xv. 11.
   
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   To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; -- opposed to expire.
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   Forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty.
   Harvey.
   
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   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.
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   And generous stout courage did inspire.
   Spenser.
   
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   But dawning day new comfort hath inspired.
   Shak.
   
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   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.
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   +PJC
   Erato, thy poet's mind inspire,
   And fill his soul with thy celestial fire.
   Dryden.
   
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2.       
   Inspire , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Inspired; p. pr. & vb. n. Inspiring.]
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   To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; -- opposed to expire.
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   To breathe; to blow gently. [Obs.]
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   And when the wind amongst them did inspire,
   They wavèd like a penon wide dispread.
   Spenser.
   
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