# emboldened

/ɛmˈboʊɫdənd/ (US) · /ɛmbˈəʊldənd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emboldened
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to make someone feel more confident or brave. You use this when a person gains the courage to do something after seeing others do it.

For teachers: to make someone feel more courageous or self-assured. Often used to describe the psychological effect of observing others' actions or receiving encouragement.

## Examples

- The success of the first project emboldened the team to try something bigger.
- Seeing their neighbors protest the new law, the residents felt emboldened to join the march.
- The initial small-scale victories emboldened the rebels, leading them to launch a full-scale offensive that eventually forced the government to the negotiating table.

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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.