01 n. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation o…
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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.(Physiol.)
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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.
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3.
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.(Theol.)“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.
Phrases & compounds
Plenary inspiration —
that kind of inspiration which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired message.
Verbal inspiration —
that kind of inspiration which extends to the very words and forms of expression of the divine message.