An″i‐mate (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Animated; p. pr. & vb. n.Animating.] [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. önd breath, anda to breathe, OHG. ando anger. Cf. Animal.] 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. Dryden.
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.
Syn. — To enliven; inspirit; stimulate; exhilarate; inspire; instigate; rouse; urge; cheer; prompt; incite; quicken; gladden.