/ ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] inspiration (to do sth) | inspiration (for sth) the process that takes place when sb sees or hears sth that causes them to have exciting new ideas or makes them want to create sth, especially in art, music or literature :
Dreams can be a rich source of inspiration for an artist.
Both poets drew their inspiration from the countryside.
Looking for inspiration for a new dessert? Try this recipe.
2.
[ C , usually sing. ] inspiration (for sth) a person or thing that is the reason why sb creates or does sth :
He says my sister was the inspiration for his heroine.
Clark was the inspiration behind Saturday's victory.
3.
[ C , usually sing. ] inspiration (to / for sb) a person or thing that makes you want to be better, more successful, etc. :
Her charity work is an inspiration to us all.
4.
[ C , usually sing. , U ] a sudden good idea :
He had an inspiration: he'd give her a dog for her birthday.
It came to me in a flash of inspiration .
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense divine guidance ): via Old French from late Latin inspiratio(n-) , from the verb inspirare breathe or blow into from in- into + spirare breathe.