/ ɪnˈspaɪə(r); NAmE / verb
1.
inspire sb (to sth) to give sb the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do sth well :
[ vn ]
The actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.
The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
His superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.
[ vn to inf ]
By visiting schools, the actors hope to inspire children to put on their own productions.
2.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] to give sb the idea for sth, especially sth artistic or that shows imagination :
The choice of decor was inspired by a trip to India.
3.
[ vn ] inspire sb (with sth) | inspire sth (in sb) to make sb have a particular feeling or emotion :
Her work didn't exactly inspire me with confidence .
As a general, he inspired great loyalty in his troops.
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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 .