embody

1 of 2

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē 

embodied; embodying

transitive verb

1

: to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate

2

a

: to deprive of spirituality

b

: to make concrete and perceptible

3

: to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate

4

: to represent in human or animal form : personify

… men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life …

—A. M. Schlesinger born 1917

embodier noun

embodier

2 of 2

noun

em·​bod·​i·​er

ə̇mˈbädēə(r), 

em- -diə-

plural -s

: one that embodies

Synonyms of embody

Verb

• integrate
• incorporate
• assimilate

Examples of embody in a Sentence

Verb

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law.

they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The exhibition addresses an audience for whom history has been superseded by the experiential, the embodied, and the personal. — Nicole Kaack, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Gara lives in a deeply patriarchal culture, where violence by men can shatter the lives of women, yet as a matriarchal figure, Gara embodies qualities of Sinjajevina itself. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

Those differences are embodied in the mixed visual approaches Saito takes, switching between vivid color and monochrome, and between chaotic handheld work and steadier camerawork. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Celine’s secret sauce Could Celine embody what comes after quiet luxury — a sophisticated yet effortless aesthetic with a playful edge? — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embody

• blackbody
• samadhi
• somebody
• afterbody
• antibody
• busybody
• everybody
• autoantibody
• bawdy
• body
• gaudy
• khadi

Kids Definition

embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē 

embodied; embodying

1

: to give definite form to

embodied her ideas in suitable words

2

: to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system

the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States

3

: to represent in visible form

a leader who embodies courage

embodier noun