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

• absorb
• assimilate
• co-opt
• incorporate
• integrate

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

This is embodied in Ted Danson’s character, Michael, a demon who starts out as an architect of eternal torture but undergoes a profound transformation. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

In some ways, this landscaping idea embodies a farm or agricultural setting where steel barns and tractors are common. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025

The American brand enters a new chapter with the actress and producer who, per the brand, embodies Coach’s Courage to Be Real mission, rooted in inspiring confidence and authentic self-expression. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025

That dance of crowds and machines embodied the spirit of the age. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 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