espouse

[ih-spouz, ih-spous]

verb (used with object)

espoused, espousing 

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

Other Word Forms

• espouser 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

Wray’s deputy also angered the right when he said that comments from the shooter’s social media accounts “appear to reflect antisemitic and anti-immigration themes to espouse political violence and are described as extreme in nature.”

Read more on Salon

He meant that on any policy debate—immigration restrictions, social matters, foreign policy, economics—the Christian Democrats should create room for politicians and voters to espouse the most conservative position.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cheney’s legacy would have been somewhat redeemed if he had admitted that the philosophy he espoused and the work he did for decades laid the groundwork for the destruction of democracy we are witnessing.

Read more on Salon

He hasn't shied away from a political fight and has proudly espoused left-wing causes - such as free childcare, expanded public transportation and government intervention in free market systems.

Read more on BBC

Despite their past wariness of crypto, banks have long espoused the potential of the blockchain technology that underpins digital currencies to streamline their businesses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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