espouse

[ ih-spouz, ih-spous ]

verb (used with object)

, es·poused, es·pous·ing.

1. to make one's own; adopt or embrace, as a cause.

   Synonyms: advocate, champion, support

2. Archaic. to marry.
3. Archaic. to give or promise to give (a woman) in marriage.

espouse

/ ɪˈspaʊz /

verb

1. to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc)

   to espouse socialism

2. archaic.
   (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry

Derived Forms

• esˈpouser, noun

Other Words From

• es·pous·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of espouse¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French espouser , from Latin spōnsāre “to betroth, espouse”

Word History and Origins

Origin of espouse¹

C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre to affiance, espouse

Example Sentences

Alpha Male was born out of what Terhune saw as the hypocrisy of conservatives who espouse American ideals, such as freedom of speech and religion, but attack anyone opposed their prescribed views.

From Los Angeles Times

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the one-time independent presidential candidate who endorsed Trump and regularly espouses anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and backs a national ban on abortion, was promised a significant role in shaping health care policy.

From Salon

Lately, Greene has espoused the theory that Democrats can control extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene.

From Salon

This is, of course, the “logic” of authoritarianism, and Trump continued to espouse it throughout his presidency and the 2020 campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

The video has been viewed by millions on X and shared by right-wing influencers, some espousing conspiracy theories.

From BBC

Related Words

• adopt
• advocate
• defend
• embrace
• maintain
• uphold