Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Inspiration
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
. Shakespeare
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.
Plenary inspiration
(Theol.)
, that kind of inspiration which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired message.
– Verbal inspiration
(Theol.)
, that kind of inspiration which extends to the very words and forms of expression of the divine message.
Webster 1828 Edition
Inspiration
INSPIRA'TION
,Noun.
1.
The act of drawing air into the lungs; the inhaling of air; a branch of respiration, and opposed to expiration.2.
The act of breathing into any thing.3.
The infusion of ideas into the mind by the Holy Spirit; the conveying into the minds of men, ideas, notices or monitions by extraordinary or supernatural influence; or the communication of the divine will to the understanding by suggestions or impressions on the mind, which leave no room to doubt the reality of their supernatural origin. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim.3.
4.
The infusion of ideas or directions by the supposed deities of pagans.5.
The infusion or communication of ideas or poetic spirit, by a superior being or supposed presiding power; as the inspiration of Homer or other poet.