WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024
-spir-, root.
-spir- comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "breathe;
have a longing for.
This meaning is found in such words as: aspire, conspire, expire, inspire, perspire, respiration, respiratory, respire, spiracle, spirit, transpire.
in- + spirare to breathe
ex- + spirare to breathe
He aspirated some water