inspiration Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
  2. noun a product of your creative thinking and work
    brainchild.
    • he had little respect for the inspirations of other artists
    • after years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality
  3. noun a sudden intuition as part of solving a problem
  4. noun (theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings
    divine guidance.
    • they believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance
  5. noun arousing to a particular emotion or action
    stirring.
  6. noun the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
    aspiration; intake; breathing in; inhalation.

WordNet

In`spi*ra"tion noun
Etymology
F. inspiration, L. inspiratio. See Inspire.
Definitions
  1. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of expiration.
  2. The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
    Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations. Shak.
  3. (Theol.) A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
    All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim. iii. 16.
    The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses. Sharp.

Webster 1913