Synonyms

embolden

American

[em-bohl-dn] / ɛmˈboʊl dn /

Rarely imbolden

verb (used with object)

to make bold or bolder; hearten; encourage.

embolden British

/ ɪmˈbəʊldən /

verb

(tr) to encourage; make bold

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of embolden

First recorded in 1495–1505; em- ¹ + bold + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Kroger’s stock may be ending 2025 on a sour note, but that seems to have emboldened the grocery giant to buy back more shares.

From MarketWatch

Elections followed, but the voluntary relinquishing of power had emboldened the military to make a takeover by force in 1962.

From Barron's

Klingbeil said the guarantees would also be used to boost defence while Germany grapples with an emboldened Moscow and uncertainty about the United States' commitment to ensuring European security.

From Barron's

After an amazing comeback against a really strong New England team last Sunday, the Bills are emboldened and Josh Allen is on an MVP pace.

From Los Angeles Times

Those factors have emboldened investors to pile into shares of transportation companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023