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Definition of Espouse
1. Verb. Choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans. "The candidate espouses Republican ideals"
Generic synonyms: Choose, Pick Out, Select, Take
Related verbs: Abide By, Comply, Follow
Specialized synonyms: Adhere, Stick
Derivative terms: Adoption, Espousal, Following
2. Verb. Take in marriage. "Sam and Sue espouse"
Generic synonyms: Unify, Unite
Specialized synonyms: Inmarry, Mismarry, Wive, Wive, Intermarry, Remarry
Related verbs: Marry, Splice, Tie, Wed
Derivative terms: Marriage, Married, Wedding
3. Verb. Take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own. ; "They adopted the Jewish faith"
Specialized synonyms: Fasten On, Hook On, Latch On, Seize On, Take Up
Generic synonyms: Accept
Derivative terms: Adoption, Embrace
Definition of Espouse
1. v. t. To betroth; to promise in marriage; to give as spouse.
Definition of Espouse
1. Verb. (transitive) To become/get married to. ¹
2. Verb. (transitive) To accept, support, or take on as one’s own (an idea or a cause). ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Espouse
1. to marry [v -POUSED, -POUSING, -POUSES] - See also: marry
Lexicographical Neighbors of Espouse
Literary usage of Espouse
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1816)
"The generosity, or perhaps the ambition, of the sultan, prepared to espouse the
cause of his ally ; but his designs were prevented by the defeat, ..."
2. Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms by Frederic Sturges Allen (1920)
"2. embrace, espouse, father (fig.}, take (a person's side or part); spec, borrow,
follow; see CHOOSE, COPY. Antonyms: see REJECT. advanced, a. ..."
3. Diary of the American Revolution: From Newspapers and Original Documents by Frank Moore (1860)
"... assimilate to their own character all those who espouse their cause; not only
seducing them to become base, treacherous thieves, robbers, murderers, ..."