breathe life into

1. Also, breathe new life into. Revive someone or something. For example, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shows one how to breathe life into a drowning victim, or Her appointment breathed new life into the firm. This term is used both literally, for reviving a person who has stopped breathing temporarily, and figuratively, for giving new impetus to or renewing some project. Also see breath of fresh air.

Example Sentences

Unai knew that Damian and his chosen people could breathe life into the atmosphere.

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To make the lines stand out, the nanny breathes on the glass, suggesting her love has helped to breathe life into the girl.

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“This lawsuit arises in an era when money too often eclipses meaning and the pursuit of profit threatens to erase the very traditions that breathe life into institutions,” the filing reads.

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Captain Harry Brook hit a superb first one-day international century as England beat Australia in the third match to breathe life into their new era of white-ball cricket.

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“I would be remiss not to mention how proud I am of Mayor Karen Bass for doing the right thing here — by acknowledging the challenges and harnessing her decision-making power to breathe life into a program that does so much for small business,” Navarrette said, “as well as the streets they occupy.”

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Related Words

• arouse 
• encourage 
• energize 
• invigorate 
• overcome 
• quicken 
• recover 
• rejuvenate 
• rekindle 
• renew 
• renovate 
• repair 
• restore 
• resurrect 
• resuscitate 
• revitalize 
• strengthen