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

The game has come to embody the spirit of the armed forces; the Black Knights come from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Midshipmen are from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

Buendia arguably embodied that school of thought more than any other. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

With an emphasis on minimalism, functionality, and natural materials, interiors that embody these sensibilities—simply put—feel good to spend time in. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

Born with her Sun and Venus in the rebellious sign of Aquarius, the 43-year-old star perfectly embodies the boundary-pushing and free-spirited energy of this Air sign. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

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