espouse

[ih-spouz, ih-spous]

verb (used with object)

espoused, espousing 

1. to make one's own; adopt or embrace, as a cause.

   Synonyms: advocate, champion, support

2. Archaic.,  to marry.

3. Archaic.,  to give or promise to give (a woman) in marriage.

espouse

/ ɪˈspaʊz /

verb

1. to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc)

   to espouse socialism

2. archaic,  (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry

Other Word Forms

• espouser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of espouse¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French espouser , from Latin spōnsāre “to betroth, espouse”

Word History and Origins

Origin of espouse¹

C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre to affiance, espouse

Example Sentences

Although his time as first minister was short, one of the stand-out causes he espoused was that of the Palestinian people.

From BBC

Mr Freeman had long espoused "sovereign citizen" views and had a well-documented hatred of authority.

From BBC

Technocrats espoused that by doing away with government, money and capitalism in favor of having the techies run everything, humanity’s needs would be fulfilled.

From Salon

Wilson, whose ministry operates hundreds of churches around the world, is an outspoken right-wing evangelical, espousing extremely conservative views of Christianity, including the view that the U.S. should be a theocracy.

From Salon

They felt it epitomised the philosophy they have espoused for their intra-team competition between the drivers.

From BBC

Related Words

• adopt 
• advocate 
• defend 
• embrace 
• maintain 
• uphold