verb
inspire
To draw air into the lungs.
The patient inspires slowly through the mouthpiece.
Etymology
The prefix supplies inward direction and the verb means breathe. This physical sense preserves the literal action of drawing breath inward.
More examples
- The device records the volume of air inspired.
- She inspired deeply before the breathing test.
- The diagram shows the muscles used to inspire air.
Forms
inspire · inspires · inspired · inspiring
Similar words
- inhale
- The usual everyday verb.
- breathe in
- The plain everyday expression.