Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

embodiment

American  
[em-bod-ee-muhnt] / ɛmˈbɒd i mənt /

noun

  1. the act of embodying.

  2. the state or fact of being embodied.

  3. a person, being, or thing embodying a spirit, principle, abstraction, etc; incarnation.

  4. something embodied.


Other Word Forms

  • preembodiment noun

Etymology

Origin of embodiment

First recorded in 1820–30; embody + -ment

Explanation

The embodiment of something gives concrete form to an abstract idea. A flag is the embodiment of a country. When you talk about embodiment, you're talking about giving a form to ideas that are usually not physical: like love, hate, fear, justice, etc. A gavel is the embodiment of justice; a wedding ring can be the embodiment of love. The word body in embodiment is a clue to its meaning: this is a word for giving a body to things that usually don't have one.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing embodiment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But she will argue that "restoring order and control at our border is not a betrayal of Labour values, it is an embodiment of them".

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

They then tested how different movement speeds influenced embodiment, including body ownership, sense of agency, usability, and social impressions such as competence and discomfort.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2026

The Mexican left was especially hostile toward Malinche, viewing her as a kind of embodiment of imperialism.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

His anecdotes would become the basis for Crystal’s character, Harry, while Ryan’s witty foil, Sally, was the embodiment of Ephron’s sharp and observant eye.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

I must now become the actual leader, the face, the voice, the embodiment of the revolution.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins