embolden

[ em-bohl-dn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make bold or bolder; hearten; encourage.

embolden

/ ɪmˈbəʊldən /

verb

1. tr to encourage; make bold

Word History and Origins

Origin of embolden¹

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

Example Sentences

He promised to deregulate industry and embolden the oil and auto industries.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said by focusing on Mr Kaba’s ethnicity, they had created "rumour and innuendo” which could “embolden those who work against the public".

From BBC

Putin’s success in Ukraine would likely embolden Chinese leader Xi Jinping to step up pressure on Taiwan.

From Slate

Democrats say the move would embolden President Vladimir Putin.

From BBC

The second Trump administration, Northup warned, would likely work to stop the provision of medication abortion by mail, push a national abortion ban, and embolden conservative states to lead more prosecutions and investigations against providers and patients who sought to cross state lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buoy
• energize
• inspire
• invigorate
• reassure
• spur
• sway