2

What would be a term for something/somebody that gives a person confidence, motivation, strength or hope in times of trouble? The scenario I have in mind is of a person facing a real life-death situation, they're absolutely overcome by the atmosphere at that moment, to act at such a time seems almost impossible/worthless to them. Then suddenly they get a glimpse of the most important person/thing that matters to them. This inspires them to act and fight in that situation. How would we describe this person or thing? A motivator seems a rather uninteresting or dull term to me. Following two scenarios might further help understand the nature of the person/thing in question.

1) Jenna is a middle-aged woman, fighting cancer, her situation is really hopeless, she doesn't think living is worthwhile, but then she thinks about her baby, who's still very young and needs his mother to help him find his feet in the world. This gives Jenna a reason to persist in her cause to fight cancer for a little longer. The boy gives her a hope, reason, strength and motivation to live.

2) Arthur, plays as a striker for a football club. His team are mid-way through their match with their local-rivals, and haven't scored a goal yet, they know if they don't win the game, their cup-run would be over, Arthur sees the look on his team-mates and the coach, they're all looking very glum. This invigorates Arthur, albeit paradoxically, to give in his best. He scores a goal and his team win the match. The look on the team-mates gave Arthur something to fight for.

Improve this question
2
  • I think my light in the darkness is very apt here. It seems to suit the first example well.
    – Charon
    Jul 12, 2015 at 11:37
  • It is, but I'm looking for a single-term, not a phrase...
    – Andy Semyonov
    Jul 12, 2015 at 12:40

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
5

I like the word "Inspiration" for that.

Edited to include the word "epiphany" at the request of the original poaster.

Improve this answer
12
  • 1
    Yes inspiration would work, but I was thinking what if someone is in a life-death situation and they're completely taken over by the atmosphere of that moment, and then suddenly something happens, like they see someone, maybe their mentor, friend either in their mind's eye or in real and their confidence, hope or strength is restored to fight in that situation. I think inspiration is a relative term, but I'm thinking something specific relating to the context I've just given. I must consider revising the question now.
    – Andy Semyonov
    Jul 12, 2015 at 9:28
  • 2
    In that case, a stronger word is epiphany.
    – Father Luke
    Jul 12, 2015 at 9:38
  • Wow that's a very nice word. You could change your answer with it, I'll upvote you. :)
    – Andy Semyonov
    Jul 12, 2015 at 9:41
  • 5
    I don't think that is what epiphany means.
    – Faheem Mitha
    Jul 12, 2015 at 9:57
  • 1
    Well, based on your edit, the change which comes about indicates to me transformative behavior. A transformation is, loosely, defined: ' a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance, form, etc. But, yeah..
    – Father Luke
    Jul 12, 2015 at 12:49
1

It's a bit esoteric, but one possibility is tonic. Its concrete connotation is medicinal, similar to elixir, but dictionary.com also defines it as "anything invigorating physically, mentally, or morally".

1) Jenna is a middle-aged woman, fighting cancer, her situation is really hopeless, she doesn't think living is worthwhile, but then she thinks about her baby, who's still very young and needs his mother to help him find his feet in the world. This gives Jenna a reason to persist in her cause to fight cancer for a little longer. The boy becomes her tonic.

2) Arthur, plays as a striker for a football club. His team are mid-way through their match with their local-rivals, and haven't scored a goal yet, they know if they don't win the game, their cup-run would be over, Arthur sees the look on his team-mates and the coach, they're all looking very glum. This invigorates Arthur, albeit paradoxically, to give in his best. He scores a goal and his team win the match. The look on his team-mates' faces was Arthur's tonic.

Another possibility is stimulant. Relative to tonic, it is more superficial and immediate, and does not imply the existence of a problem.

Another possibility is buoy. This one does not actively inspire you to act, merely keeps you from drowning in despair.

Improve this answer
1
  • Very well @vladkornea, I'm happy with these terms, they all seem relative to the context given in my OP, but I'd admit I'm not fully satisfied yet, I think there's still a better word we're all failing to think of that would more felicitous to both egs.
    – Andy Semyonov
    Jul 13, 2015 at 10:30
0

"Epiphany" does not imply a causative reaction - which your question clearly implies.

The expression, "A shot in the arm", is often used to describe the thing which inspires:

"Memories of my time in a wheelchair gave me a shot in the arm to finish the marathon."

("A shot" refers to 'an injection', like a doctor would give you - not a punch, or a bullet.) (US)

Improve this answer
1
  • Thanks, I like that phrase, but still I'm looking for a single term, however annoying it may sound. :)
    – Andy Semyonov
    Jul 12, 2015 at 17:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.