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

Alongside Sarah Pigeon, Paul embodied the late attorney and journalist and made millions of viewers swoon at their screens. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Nixon embodies that for people, Dunn said, adding that her authenticity also attracts supporters. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

For a franchise that came to embody old Hollywood glamour, Tanter’s voice became the ideal soundtrack. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

At the root of it all is negligence, which is refuted and embodied by our challenging heroine. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 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