Verb

(en verb)

To design a new process or mechanism.

After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.

To create something fictional for a particular purpose.

I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.

We need a name to put in this form, so let's just invent one.

(obsolete) To come upon; to find; to find out; to discover.

* 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , I.vi:

Far off he wonders, what them makes so glad, / If Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent [...].

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.