espouse

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

verb choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
verb take in marriage
verb take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own

From Middle English espousen, borrowed from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre (frequentative of spondeō), from Proto-Indo-European *spend-.

Say that you will espouse my cause. — The gods of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs
Here is your ring wherewith you espoused me; take it. — The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio, Giovanni Boccaccio
Mr Mulliner, like a faithful clansman, espoused his mistress’s side with ardour. — Cranford, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

adopt, follow

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