Sentence:  Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans <WSD>inspired</WSD> awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.