inspire
inspire
/ɪnˈspaɪə(r)/
1 to give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do something well
inspire somebody The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
inspire somebody with something The actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.
inspire somebody to something His superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.
inspire somebody to do something By visiting schools, the actors hope to inspire children to put on their own productions.
The director inspired everybody on the project.
As a teacher, she has inspired generations of students.
She was inspired to write the song following the birth of her daughter.
2 inspire something to give somebody the idea for something, especially something artistic or that shows imagination
The choice of decor was inspired by a trip to India.
His tragic story later inspired a Hollywood film.
His paintings were clearly inspired by Monet’s work.
It was this trip that helped to inspire his interest in Eastern thought.
3 to make somebody have a particular feeling or emotion
Henry did not inspire confidence as a figure of authority.
inspire somebody with something Her work didn't exactly inspire me with confidence.
inspire something in somebody As a general, he inspired great loyalty in his troops.
The council's record in this area inspires little respect.
She is a young woman who inspires trust in everyone she meets.
Word Origin
Middle English enspire, from Old French inspirer, from Latin inspirare ‘breathe or blow into’ from in- ‘into’ + spirare ‘breathe’. The word was originally used of a divine or supernatural being, in the sense ‘impart a truth or idea to someone’.
e.g.