| animate | 1. To give natural life to; to make alive; to quicken; as, the soul animates the body. 2. To give powers to, or to heighten the powers or effect of; as, to animate a lyre. 3. To give spirit or vigor to; to stimulate or incite; to inspirit; to rouse; to enliven. "The more to animate the people, he stood on high . . . And cried unto them with a loud voice." (Knolles) Synonym: To enliven, inspirit, stimulate, exhilarate, inspire, instigate, rouse, urge, cheer, prompt, incite, quicken, gladden. Origin: L. Animatus, p. P. Of animare, fr. Anima breath, soul; akin to animus soul, mind, Gr. Wind, Skr. An to breathe, live, Goth. Us-anan to expire (us- out), Icel. Ond breath, anda to breathe, OHG. Ando anger. Cf. Animal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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