# channeling

/ˈtʃænəɫɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/channeling
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to direct your energy, feelings, or ideas toward a specific goal or person. You can also use it when you act like someone else to get their style or power.

For teachers: directing energy, resources, or emotions toward a particular purpose or person; acting as a medium for a specific influence or personality.

## Examples

- She is channeling all her energy into her new business.
- The actor spent months channeling the spirit of the historical figure to make the performance feel authentic.
- By channeling the public's frustration into a constructive political movement, the leaders managed to pass significant reforms without resorting to civil unrest.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is channeling to his inner artist." but "He is channeling his inner artist." — When used to mean 'acting like' or 'expressing', the verb is transitive and does not require a preposition before the object.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'into' when referring to the direction of resources or effort.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.