1580s, of imitative origin (cf. Dutch and East Frisian klikken to click; Old French clique tick of a clock). The figurative sense, in reference usually to persons, hit it off at once, become friendly upon meeting is from 1915, perhaps based on the sound of a key in a lock. Related: Clicked; clicking.
verb (used with object), induced, inducing. 1. to lead or move by persuasion or influence, as to some action or state of mind: to induce a person to buy a raffle ticket. 2. to bring about, produce, or cause: That medicine will induce sleep.
inspire. vb. 1. to exert a stimulating or beneficial effect upon (a person); animate or invigorate. 2. (tr; foll by with or to; may take an infinitive) to arouse (with a particular emotion or to a particular action); stir.