embolden

em·bold·en

verb \im-ˈbōl-dən\

Definition of EMBOLDEN

transitive verb

: to instill with boldness or courage

Examples of EMBOLDEN

1. <his poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder>

First Known Use of EMBOLDEN

15th century

Related to EMBOLDEN

Synonyms: bear up, buck up, buoy (up), cheer (up), chirk (up), encourage, hearten, inspire, inspirit, steel

Antonyms: daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Related Words: animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Near Antonyms: demoralize, depress, sadden; debilitate, enfeeble, hamstring, undermine, weaken; intimidate, psych (out)

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Rhymes with EMBOLDEN

beholden