Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • transitive verb To foster boldness or courage in. synonym: encourage.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • To give boldness or courage to; make bolder; encourage.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • transitive verb To give boldness or courage to; to encourage.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb transitive To render (someone) bolder or more courageous.
  • verb transitive To encourage, inspire, or motivate.
  • verb transitive (typography) To format text in boldface.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • verb give encouragement to

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Bold + em- -en, prebilabial intensifying verbal circumfix.

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Examples

  • But, that term has been a GOP talking point for almost a year according to Source Watch: The phrase embolden the terrorists—as has taking the fight to the terrorists—has frequently been employed by President George W. Bush, members of the Bush administration, and others in their support of the war in Iraq and use of fear as a political tool.

    04/26/2007 2007

  • Thompson might have meant to say "embolden," not "ennoble," as not even the most vocal war hawk would argue that domestic debate about the Iraq War will result in the enemy being given titles of nobility such as Duke, Baron, Lord, etc.

    Obama And Thompson Address The VFW 2009

  • The Americans will not allow Iran to benefit from the oil and transit revenue, which will "embolden" it, and indirectly bolster Hamas and Hezbollah.

    Betwa Sharma: Three to Tango 2009

  • That and "embolden" so try and work that word in too.

    Poll: Bush Approval Soars To 29% 2009

  • I think instead of 'embolden', you meant 'enbiggen'.

    BSNYC Friday Fun Quiz! BikeSnobNYC 2009

  • Thompson might have meant to say "embolden," not "ennoble," as not even the most vocal war hawk would argue that domestic debate about the Iraq War will result in the enemy being given titles of nobility such as Duke, Baron, Lord, etc.

    Obama And Thompson Address The VFW 2009

  • See, during the 5th year of this trillion dollar Iraq morass, conservatives warn liberals that any talk of timelines will "embolden" the terrorists.

    Archive 2007-04-01 2007

  • One of the funniest thing I've yet heard on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" is yesterday's analysis of one of Bush's favorite words, "embolden" — as in all the things we might do that would "embolden the enemy" — by faux-Senior White House Correspondent John Oliver:

    Philocrites: February 2007 Archives 2007

  • One of the funniest thing I've yet heard on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" is yesterday's analysis of one of Bush's favorite words, "embolden" — as in all the things we might do that would "embolden the enemy" — by faux-Senior White House Correspondent John Oliver:

    Philocrites: Moments in emboldenment. 2007

  • It would only "embolden" the terrorists, they said.

    Archive 2005-11-01 Garry 2005

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