embody

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

Synonyms of embody

• integrate
• incorporate
• assimilate

Examples of embody in a Sentence

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

Maybe because of its rich literary history and storybook feel, or because of the presence of the city’s Festival Fringe, but Edinburgh seems to embody creativity, teeming with cute shops and a vibrant art scene. —Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025

The athletic brand views Kapoor’s rise in the realms of film and fashion to embody individuality, resilience and a fearless commitment to personal expression. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025

Attorney General James has taken on powerful interests in her defense of New Yorkers and embodied the principle of equal justice before the law. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

Coral Reef Club The rooms, cottages, and spacious suites at Coral Reef Club embody the classic Caribbean elegance of a historic family home. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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