鼓舞 (gǔ wǔ) is a verb meaning 'to inspire' or 'to cheer on'—it conveys the act of lifting someone’s spirits, strengthening their confidence, or motivating them toward action. Literally, 鼓 (gǔ) means 'drum', evoking the idea of beating a drum to energize or rally people, while 舞 (wǔ) means 'dance', suggesting liveliness, movement, and emotional uplift. Together, they form a vivid image of stirring enthusiasm and determination in others.

This word is commonly used in formal and semi-formal contexts—such as speeches, news reports, educational settings, or workplace encouragement—and often appears with subjects like leaders, teachers, role models, or uplifting events. It emphasizes positive psychological impact rather than physical action; you don’t ‘鼓舞’ an object, but a person or group. While it can appear as a noun (e.g., 他的讲话带来鼓舞), its primary and most frequent use is verbal.