Inspire independent mob rule from time to time (5)
I believe the answer is:
imbue
'inspire' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'independent mob rule from time to time' is the wordplay.
'independent' becomes 'i'.
'from time to time' means one should take alternating letters (letters removed on a regular basis).
'mob'+'rule'='mobrule'
The alternating letters of 'mobrule' are 'mbue'.
'i'+'mbue'='IMBUE'
(Other definitions for imbue that I've seen before include "Spread or diffuse through; inspire" , "dye" , "Tinge deeply" , "Permeate, pervade" , "Fill with, infuse" .)