embolden

American  

[em-bohl-dn] / ɛmˈboʊl dn /

Rarely imbolden

verb (used with object)

1. to make bold or bolder; hearten; encourage.

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embolden British  

/ ɪmˈbəʊldən /

verb

1. (tr) to encourage; make bold

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Etymology

Origin of embolden

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

Explanation

To embolden someone is to inspire them. You might embolden your brother to try out for a play by enthusiastically praising his singing and dancing abilities. Shy kids sometimes need a friend or a teacher who will embolden them to speak up for themselves, and a good grade in a difficult class will embolden a student to attempt more challenging courses. When you cheer up a friend or encourage a coworker, you embolden those people. To embolden is "to make bold," from the Old English root word beald, which means "brave, confident, or strong."

Example Sentences

Tim Melia, a certified financial planner and founder at Embolden Financial Planning in Seattle, suggests keeping the cash envelopes in a fireproof safe that locks.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2023

Embolden, em-bōld′n, Imbolden, im-, v.t. to make bold or courageous.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• buoy
• energize
• inspire
• invigorate
• reassure
• spur
• sway