To fill someone with an emotion or idea that motivates them to do something great, or to cause something to happen.
From Latin 'inspirare' (to breathe in), from 'in-' (in) plus 'spirare' (to breathe). The word has been used since the 14th century with the original meaning of 'breathing life into.'
The word literally means 'to breathe into'—ancient people believed the gods breathed divine ideas directly into people's minds, which is why poets and artists still talk about being 'inspired' like they're receiving a gift from above!
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