Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Animate \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. ["o]nd 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.

Animating \An"i*ma"ting\, a.
   Causing animation; life-giving; inspiriting; rousing.
   ``Animating cries.'' --Pope. -- {An"i*ma`ting*ly}, adv.

Source : WordNet®

animating
     adj : giving spirit and vivacity [syn: {enlivening}]