ennoble

[ en-noh-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·no·bled, en·no·bling.

1. to elevate in degree, excellence, or respect; dignify; exalt:

   a personality ennobled by true generosity.

2. to confer a title of nobility on.

ennoble

/ ɪˈnəʊbəl /

verb

1. to make noble, honourable, or excellent; dignify; exalt
2. to raise to a noble rank; confer a title of nobility upon

Derived Forms

• enˈnobler, noun
• enˈnoblement, noun
• enˈnobling, adjective

Other Words From

• en·noble·ment noun
• en·nobler noun
• en·nobling·ly adverb
• unen·nobled adjective
• unen·nobling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ennoble¹

1425–75; late Middle English ennobelen < Middle French, Old French ennoblir. See en- ¹, noble

Example Sentences

Shostakovich’s detractors have accused him of ennobling Stalin while defenders have sought out subtle musical cues of dissent.

From Los Angeles Times

When her husband was ennobled some years earlier, she was entitled to be called Lady Kinnock - but it was a title she never used.

From BBC

Lord Houchen is the Conservative mayor for Tees Valley, which includes Stockton, and was ennobled in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list.

From BBC

But on the very eve of publication, Trevor-Roper, who had been ennobled as Baron Dacre, called to say he had changed his mind and now felt they were forgeries.

From Los Angeles Times

People teach, Keegin said, "because they believe in the ennobling of the human soul through encounters with the great minds of the past."

From Salon