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Dictionary Language resources

espouse

Pronunciation: /ɪˈspaʊz, ɛ-/

Translate espouse | into German | into Italian

Definition of espouse

verb

[with object]

1adopt or support (a cause, belief, or way of life):the left has espoused the causes of sexual and racial equality

2 archaic marry: Edward had espoused the lady Grey
(be espoused to) (of a woman) be engaged to (a particular man): she was secretly espoused to his son, Peter a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph

Derivatives

espouser

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'take as a spouse'): from Old French espouser, from Latin sponsare, from sponsus 'betrothed', past participle of spondere