inspire

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Inspire is a word that means to make someone feel motivated or enthusiastic about doing something.

When we talk about inspiring someone, we usually mean that we've given them ideas or encouraged them to try new things. For example, you might watch a movie and get inspired to travel to the place it's set in. Or maybe you hear a motivational speech and feel inspired to work hard towards your goals. Even just talking to someone who's passionate about their job can be inspiring - they might share stories or ideas that make you want to try something new too!

How common is "inspire"?

Word inspire is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

(transitive) 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.
(transitive) To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.
Example: Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
(ambitransitive) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.
To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
(archaic, transitive) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
(transitive) To spread rumour indirectly.