embody

verb

Sayim-BOD-eeUS/ɪmˈbɑdi/UK/ɪmˈbɒdi/AUSim-BAW-dee/ɪmˈbɔdi/

Formsembodies, embodying, embodied

4 meanings of embody

1
verbtransitive
To give an idea or quality a concrete, physical form; to personify or incarnate something.
The memorial embodies a nation's grief in stone and bronze.
Few politicians embody the ideals they campaign on.
Similarpersonify, exemplify, epitomize, represent, express
2
verbtransitive
To comprise or include various elements as parts of a single, unified whole.
The constitution embodies the principles agreed upon by the founding states.
These guidelines embody years of accumulated experience.
Similarincorporate, include, encompass, contain
3
verbtransitive
To express or set down something, such as a principle or agreement, in another concrete form like a written code of laws.
The new statute embodies rights that were once only customary.
Drafters embody abstract freedoms in precise legal language.
Similarenshrine, codify, express
4
verbintransitive
To come together and merge into a single unified body or mass.
The militia bands embodied into a single army before the march south.
Citizens embody into a unified movement when their rights are threatened.
Similarmerge, unite, coalesce, combine

Practice

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Origin

Formed from the prefix em- combined with the word body, with em- traced to Latin.