English Dictionary
Definition of “espouse”
espouse (ɪˈspaʊz
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc) ⇒
to espouse socialism
- archaic (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry
Alternative Forms
esˈpouser noun Word Origin
C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre to affiance, espouse
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
support,
back,
champion,
promote,
maintain,
defend,
adopt,
take up,
advocate,
embrace,
uphold,
stand up for,
Usage examples
`True, but the generation that still appreciated the old-fashioned values even if it didn't espouse them personally is gone.
Smith, Evelyn E, Miss Melville Regrets (1987)And unlike other ngos, they are not keen on celebrities to espouse or drum up support for their cause.
India Today (2000)We didn't want people to espouse their views in a very public place.
Edmonton Sun (2003)It dare not espouse Tory liberalism, let alone localism or libertarianism.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Nor did he implement the radical Thatcherite approach he publicly espoused; for espouse it he certainly did.
Thatcher, Margaret, The Downing Street Years (1993)
