embolden

Meaning

1. (transitive) To render (someone) bolder or more courageous; to encourage, to hearten.
2. (transitive) To format (text) in boldface.

Synonyms

encourage

hearten

cheer

recreate

inspirit

make bold

brave

impel

induce

influence

invigorate

invite

motivate

prod

prompt

root for

rouse

spur

stimulate

strengthen

turn on

urge

backslap

urge on

give courage

be animate

abet

stir up one’s spirit

arouse

comfort

console

countenance

foster

gratify

Translations

enhardir

encourager

animar

ermutigen

envalentonar

teşvik etmek

aanmoedigen

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɛmˈbəʊld(ə)n/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle English: embolden

Cognate with English: embold

In summary

From bold (adjective) + em- -en (variant of en- -en (circumfix forming transitive verbs denoting an increase in, or intensification of, the quality denoted by the enclosed word)). Compare Middle English embolden, enbolden (“to make bold, encourage”) (modern English embold, enbold, imbold (obsolete)), and inboldysshen (“to embolden, encourage”).