emblazon

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verb em·bla·zon \ im-ˈblā-zᵊn \

Updated on: 15 Aug 2017

Definition of emblazon

emblazoned; emblazoning play \im-ˈblāz-niŋ, -ˈblā-zᵊn-iŋ\

transitive verb

1 a :to inscribe or adorn with or as if with heraldic bearings or devices

b :to inscribe (something, such as heraldic bearings) on a surface

2 :celebrate, extol

have his … deeds emblazoned by a poet
—Thomas Nash

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emblazoner

play \im-ˈblāz-nər, -zᵊn-ər\ noun

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emblazonment

play \im-ˈblā-zᵊn-mənt\ noun

See emblazon defined for English-language learners

See emblazon defined for kids

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Examples of emblazon in a Sentence

colossal statues and other monumental constructions that were intended to emblazon his name for eons to come

Recent Examples of emblazon from the Web

In the early 20th century the suffrage movement claimed her as one of its icons, marching with her name emblazoned upon its banners as proof of women’s intellectual prowess.

— The Economist, "Fame and favourabilityJane Austen, 200 years on," 13 July 2017
During a recent campaign stop, business almost came to a standstill in Kigali after thousands of Kagame’s supporters turned up, waving placards and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his face.

— tonny onyulo, MSNBC Newsweek, "Savior or Dictator? Government Critics Challenge Rwanda's One-Party State and President Ahead of Election," 12 July 2017
The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "US Mint Employee Suspended After Leaving Noose On Black Colleague’s Desk," 11 July 2017
Jefferson’s words in the letter to the mayor of Washington were reprinted far and wide, even emblazoned on silk scarves, as a reminder of what unites us beyond the divisions of the moment.

— gregory s. schneider, Washington Post, "Jefferson’s powerful last public letter reminds us what Independence Day is all about," 3 July 2017
The video clip shows Trump pummeling a man with a CNN logo emblazoned on his head.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "Trump Wrestling Tweet is ‘Incitement to Violence’ Against Media, Say Critics," 2 July 2017
Among her legion of fans is a member of the next generation of country artists, Kelsea Ballerini, who showed up at the museum’s reception wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the name of her hero and mentor.

— nancy kruh, PEOPLE.com, "Shania Twain Says She's Learned to Own Her Pain and Live In the 'Now'," 1 July 2017
Last year, a large protest scuttled Mr. Trump’s plans for a campaign rally in the city, where his surname is emblazoned on a downtown skyscraper.

— mitch smith, New York Times, "Chicago Police and Federal Agents to Team Up on Gun Violence," 30 June 2017
These days, wealthy philanthropists are more likely to be lauded, their names emblazoned on buildings, their pictures on magazine covers.

— yoni appelbaum, The Atlantic, "Is Big Philanthropy Compatible With Democracy?," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emblazon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The History of emblazon

English speakers have been using the heraldic sense of "emblazon" since the late 16th century, and before that there was the verb "blazon" ("to describe heraldically") and the noun "blazon" ("a heraldic coat of arms"), which descend from Anglo-French blason. "Emblazon" still refers to adorning something with an emblem of heraldry, but it is now more often used for adorning or publicizing something in any conspicuous way, whether with eye-catching decoration or colorful words of praise.

First Known Use of emblazon

1589

emblazon Synonyms

Synonyms

bless, carol, celebrate, praise, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, resound

Related Words

adore, belaud, deify, idolize, worship; acclaim, applaud, commend, compliment, hail, renown, salute; chant, cheer, eulogize, rhapsodize; cite; flatter; crack up, recommend, tout

Near Antonyms

blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate; criticize, reprove; admonish, chide, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; castigate, lambaste (or lambast)

EMBLAZON Defined for English Language Learners

emblazon

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verb

Definition of emblazon for English Language Learners

: to write or draw (a name, picture, etc.) on a surface so that it can be seen very clearly
: to decorate (a surface) with something (such as a name or a picture)