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embolden

[ em-bohl-duh n ]

/ ɛmˈboʊl dən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR embolden ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make bold or bolder; hearten; encourage.

Also imbolden.

Origin of embolden

First recorded in 1495–1505; em-¹ + bold + -en¹

Words nearby embolden

emblematize, emblements, emblemize, embodiment, embody, embolden, embole, embolectomy, embolic, embolism, embolite

Example sentences from the Web for embolden

No strike would only embolden Hezbollah, which could then decide on key military and security appointments in the next government.

When Liberals Enable Tyrants |Michael Tomasky |September 6, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Weakening this norm could embolden other regimes to acquire or use chemical weapons.

Hagel: America Can’t Let Hezbollah Get Chemical Weapons |Josh Rogin |September 3, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Embolden your will, hone your mind, and speak the truth as it speaks to you.

Letter to a Young Critic: William Giraldi Defends True Criticism |William Giraldi |September 5, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Did their increased confidence about Iron Dome embolden Israeli leaders to kill Qaisi?

In the Rockets' Red Glare |Peter Beinart |March 12, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Eric Alterman on why the move will only embolden those who practice the politics of personal destruction.

Weiner’s Dangerous Resignation |Eric Alterman |June 16, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
The Masters neglect herein may embolden his servant to be bad, and may bring him too in short time to rags and a morsel of Bread.

The Life and Death of Mr Badman |John Bunyan
Spirits of my ancestors, enter into my spirit, strengthen my weakness, embolden my heart!

The Daughter of Heaven |Judith Gautier
Time and reason will rectify the first; but time, and even reason, will but harden and embolden the latter.

Camilla |Fanny Burney
But this security ought not to embolden the inexperienced amateur in risking his life for the sake of a delicacy.

Everyday Objects |W. H. Davenport Adams
The disuse of arms and the general unfamiliarity with them help to embolden the audacious.

The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I |Various

British Dictionary definitions for embolden

embolden

/ (ɪmˈbəʊldən) /

verb

(tr) to encourage; make bold