embolden
/im'bouldn/
Definition
- Verb:
- To give someone the courage or confidence to do something; to make someone bolder or more daring.
- To encourage someone to act in a more confident or assertive way.
Usage
The verb "embolden" is used to describe the action of instilling courage or confidence in someone, often leading them to take an action they might have previously hesitated to take. It is typically followed by a direct object (the person or group being encouraged).
Examples
- Verb:
- The coach's speech emboldened the team to play more aggressively.
- Her initial success emboldened her to apply for a more challenging role.
- Seeing public support for the cause emboldened the activists to organize a larger protest.
Advanced Usage
- "to be emboldened by something": to gain courage or confidence from a specific source.
- The protesters were emboldened by the court's ruling.
- "to embolden someone to do something": to give someone the courage to perform a specific action.
- The positive feedback emboldened him to share his ideas more openly in meetings.
Variants and Related Words
- Bold (adj): showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
- She made a bold decision to start her own business.
- Boldness (n): the quality of being bold; courage and confidence.
- His boldness in questioning the plan surprised everyone.
Synonyms
- Encourage: to give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
- Hearten: to make someone feel more cheerful or confident.
- Inspirit (literary): to fill with spirit or courage.
Antonyms
- Discourage: to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
- Daunt: to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
- Demoralize: to cause someone to lose confidence or hope.
Related Phrases
- To take heart: to become encouraged or more confident.
- The team took heart from their captain's determined play.
- To pluck up courage: to force oneself to be brave enough to do something.
- He finally plucked up the courage to ask for a raise.
Verb
-
give encouragement to
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