embody

verb

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

Formsembodies, embodying, embodied

4 meanings of embody

1
verbtransitive
To give a clear, real form to an idea, quality, or feeling.
Like an actor who turns a written character into a living person on stage.
Great leaders embody the values they ask others to follow.
She wants to embody calm whenever the team starts to panic.
Similarpersonify, exemplify, epitomize, represent, express
2
verbtransitive
To include or contain something as one of its main parts.
Like a basket that holds many different fruits together in one place.
The new law embodies several ideas from the old one.
Good designs embody both beauty and function.
Similarincorporate, include, encompass, contain
3
verbtransitive
To put an idea or rule into a fixed form, like a written law.
Like writing down a spoken promise so everyone can read it later.
The treaty embodies the promises both countries made.
Lawmakers embody public wishes in new rules.
Similarenshrine, codify, express
4
verbintransitive
To come together and join into one body or group.
Like many raindrops joining to form one big puddle.
Over the winter, the volunteers embodied into a disciplined militia.
When threatened, the herds embody into one moving mass.
Similarmerge, unite, coalesce, combine

Practice

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Origin

Made from em- plus the word body.