Verb

(inspir)

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.

* Bible, Wisdom xv. 11

He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.

* Shakespeare

Dawning day new comfort hath inspired .

* {{quote-magazine, year=2012, month=March-April

, author=Anna Lena Phillips , title=Sneaky Silk Moths , volume=100, issue=2, page=172 , magazine=(American Scientist) citation , passage=Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.}}

To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.

Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.

* Dryden

Erato, thy poet's mind inspire , / And fill his soul with thy celestial fire.

To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

* Harvey

forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty

To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.

(archaic) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.

* Alexander Pope

Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing, / The breathing instruments inspire .

To spread rumour indirectly.

Verb

(en-verb)

To build, construct.

* , III.i:

That Castle was most goodly edifyde , / And plaste for pleasure nigh that forrest syde

To instruct or improve morally or intellectually.

* Gibbon

It does not appear probable that our dispute [about miracles] would either edify or enlighten the public.

* 1813 , The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, Vol. VI , page 455

That they ought to edify one another by maintaining and promoting the knowledge of truth.

(Francis Bacon)