embolden
UK: ɪmˈbəʊldən | US: ɪmˈboʊldən
vt. to give someone the courage or confidence to do something
vt. to make text appear bold in typography
The word "embolden" combines the prefix "em-" (a variant of "en-," meaning "to cause to be"), the root "bold" (from Old English "beald," meaning "courageous"), and the verb-forming suffix "-en." The prefix "em-" was assimilated from "en-" before the labial consonant "b." Historically, "bold" evolved from Proto-Germanic *balþaz, conveying fearlessness. The suffix "-en" transforms adjectives into verbs (e.g., "soften," "darken"). Thus, "embolden" literally means "to cause to be bold," reflecting its dual modern meanings of instilling courage or typographic emphasis.
The coach’s speech emboldened the team to play aggressively.
Highlight the title and embolden the font for better visibility.
Success in the first round emboldened her to take greater risks.
The activist’s words emboldened the crowd to demand change.
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