Espouse — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /i-ˈspau̇z/ es·pouse

Meaning & Definition of Espouse

Espouse (verb)

  1. marry
  2. to take up and support as a cause, become attached to

Espouse (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give in marriage

    "a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter"

    similar: marry, match, wed
    related: commit, engage, affiance, betroth, pledge, promise

  2. to take as a spouse

    "heeded his father's advice to espouse someone with whom he had common interests"

    similar: marry, wed
    related: affiance, betroth, commit, engage, pledge, promise, propose, remarry
    opposite: divorce
    near: separate (from)

  3. to take for one's own use (something originated by another)

    "after working among them for two years in the Peace Corps, she felt compelled to espouse the peasants' cause for social justice"

    similar: adopt, borrow, embrace, take on, take up, pick up on
    related: domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear, affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on, simulate
    near: abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Espouse

The most common words with a similar meaning to Espouse:

marry, match, wed, adopt, borrow, embrace, take on, take up, pick up on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Espouse

Words with the opposite meaning of Espouse:

divorce

Related Words for Espouse

commit, engage, affiance, betroth, pledge, promise, propose, remarry, domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture

Near Antonyms of Espouse

separate (from), abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Word Forms of Espouse

Inflections: espoused, espousing

Derived words: espouser (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Espouse

Middle English, from Anglo-French espuser, from Late Latin sponsare to betroth, from Latin sponsus betrothed spouse

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Espouse

What does "Espouse" mean?

"Espouse" means marry. As a verb, it is defined as: marry. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Espouse"?

Other words for "Espouse" include marry, match, wed, adopt, borrow, embrace, take on and take up. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Espouse" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Espouse"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Espouse". Common alternatives include marry, match, wed, adopt, borrow, embrace, take on, take up and pick up on.

What is the opposite of "Espouse"?

Antonyms of "Espouse" include divorce. Near antonyms include separate (from), abandon, forsake and give up.

How do you use "Espouse" in a sentence?

Examples of "Espouse" in a sentence: "a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter"; "heeded his father's advice to espouse someone with whom he had common interests"; "after working among them for two years in the Peace Corps, she felt compelled to espouse the peasants' cause for social justice".

Is "Espouse" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Espouse" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Espouse"?

"Espouse" is pronounced /i-ˈspau̇z/ and divided into syllables as es·pouse.

What is the origin of the word "Espouse"?

"Espouse" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French espuser, from Late Latin sponsare to betroth, from Latin sponsus betrothed spouse. First known use: 15th century.