Main Entry: es·pouse

Pronunciation: \is-ˈpau̇z also -ˈpau̇s\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): es·poused; es·pous·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French espuser, from Late Latin sponsare to betroth, from Latin sponsus betrothed — more at spouse

Date: 15th century

1 : marry
2 : to take up and support as a cause : become attached to

synonyms see adopt

— es·pous·er noun