embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē 

embodied; embodying

transitive verb

1

: to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate

2

a

: to deprive of spirituality

b

: to make concrete and perceptible

3

: to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate

4

: to represent in human or animal form : personify

men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life

—A. M. Schlesinger born 1917

embodier noun

Synonyms

• absorb
• assimilate
• co-opt
• incorporate
• integrate

Examples of embody in a Sentence

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law.

they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive

Recent Examples on the Web

Brown’s work as Darden provides much of the emotional heart of the story; the character embodies the conflicting perspectives in L.A.’s racially stratified communities that swirled around the case. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

My mom embodied everything soft and strong simultaneously. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Inspired by the romance of Paris—the city of love—this collection embodies the charm and allure that fills its streets. —Essence, 24 Jan. 2025

To ensure leaders understand how to embody wellness, their development should include training on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and active listening. —Dr. Marita Kinney, Bcc, Msc.d, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē 

embodied; embodying

1

: to give definite form to

embodied her ideas in suitable words

2

: to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system

the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States

3

: to represent in visible form

a leader who embodies courage

embodier noun