Ăn'i-māte1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. ANIMATED; p. pr. & vb. n. ANIMATING.] [Lat. animare, from anima, breath, soul. See ANIMAL.]
Sense 1. To give natural life to; to make alive; to quicken; as, the soul animates the body.
Sense 2. To give powers to, or to heighten the powers or effect of; as, to animate a lyre. Dryden.
Sense 3. To give spirit or vigor to; to stimulate or incite; to enliven.
The more to animate the people, he stood on high, . . . and cried unto them with a loud voice. Knolles.
Synonyms—To enliven; inspirit; stimulate; exhilarate; inspire; instigate; rouse; urge; cheer; prompt; incite; quicken; gladden.