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

UConn athletes embody that reality every day — balancing intensity, visibility, and packed schedules. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

Training for The Knowledge is both spatial and embodied. —Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026

And the movie makes room for hope, particularly embodied by Kevin (Zac Efron, in a career-best performance). —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026

As his career has grown in Hollywood, Bautista has embodied his characters through his appearance, which has meant putting on weight. —Aya Al-Hakim, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

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