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

Either way, the new pope embodies all the complexities of being an American, serving as an authentic ambassador of our history and culture. —Rebecca R. Bibbs, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025

In moments that matter, leadership impact hinges on your ability to project clarity, embody authentic presence and forge genuine connection. —Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Giorgio Armani Mare is the women’s and men’s collection that embodies Giorgio Armani’s aesthetic. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 May 2025

Thune, who has in mind an optimistic deadline of July 4 to pass a budget reconciliation measure that would embody Trump’s key tax and spending policies, can only lose a maximum of three votes. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 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