Dictionary entry

Aspire

Webster's Dictionary 1913

As‐pire″ (�), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Aspired (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Aspiring.] [F. aspirer, L. aspirare. See Aspirate, v. t.] 1. To desire with eagerness; to seek to attain something high or great; to pant; to long; — followed by to or after, and rarely by at; as, to aspire to a crown; to aspire after immorality.

Aspiring to be gods, if angels fell;

Aspiring to be angels, men rebel.

Pope.

2. To rise; to ascend; to tower; to soar.

My own breath still foments the fire,

Which flames as high as fancy can aspire.

Waller.