espouse

[ ih-spouz, ih-spous ]

/ ɪˈspaʊz, ɪˈspaʊs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR espouse ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), es·poused, es·pous·ing.

to make one's own; adopt or embrace, as a cause.

to marry.

to give (a woman) in marriage.

Nearby words

espn, espoo, esports, esposito, espousal, espouse, espressivo, espresso, esprit, esprit de corps, esprit de l'escalier

Origin of espouse

1425–75; late Middle English < Middle French espouser < Latin spōnsāre to betroth, espouse

SYNONYMS FOR espouse

1 support, champion, advocate.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR espouse ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

es·pous·er, nounun·es·poused, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for espouse

While these entities may find common cause in the act of sanctioning, they often espouse different goals.
Why Aren’t Sanctions Stopping Putin?|Meghan L. O’Sullivan|May 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some espouse deaf culture as the better, more natural, way of life.
This Is What It Is Like To Be Deaf From Birth|Quora Contributor|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Meyerson is clearly perplexed by politicians who not only espouse principles but act according to them.
The Rise of the Antiwar Libertarians|Nick Gillespie|September 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The right loves to bash New York's Citi Bike system, but bike share embodies the privatized, self-reliant ideals they espouse.
Why Conservatives Should Love Bike Share|Daniel Gross|June 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Instead I am going to write about the more interesting aspects of games: what sort of politics do they espouse?
Nerdiness from Noah: Alpha Centauri|Noah Kristula-Green|March 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He saw the Doge espouse the Adriatic by casting a gold ring into it on Ascension day with very great pomp and ceremony.
Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2)|John Evelyn
These two acts alienated from his cause the only foreigners in the world who were willing to espouse it.
The Felon's Track|Michael Doheny
When I left college, I was sent out to Jamaica, to espouse a bride already courted for me.
Jane Eyre|Charlotte Bronte
Surely the King should espouse this lady and the Lutheran cause.
The Fifth Queen|Ford Madox Ford
Then will I espouse the lady, whether or not she give consent: for never did I see any one so fair, nor desire any as I do her.
Four Arthurian Romances|Chretien DeTroyes

British Dictionary definitions for espouse

espouse

/ (ɪˈspaʊz) /

verb (tr)

to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc)to espouse socialism

archaic (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry

Derived Forms

espouser, noun

Word Origin for espouse

C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre to affiance, espouse

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