Word
engender
Phoneticsen·gen·der, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈdʒɛndɝ/
UK/ɛndʒˈɛndɐ/
Definition
v. to cause something to begin or grow, especially a feeling or situation. You use it when one thing leads to another thing happening.
v. to cause or give rise to a feeling, condition, or situation. Takes a direct object, typically an abstract noun such as trust, hostility, or debate.
Examples
“Harsh words engender anger and mistrust.”
“The new manager's open meetings engender trust among staff who felt ignored before.”
“Policies that widen inequality engender resentment that can persist for generations, quietly shaping how communities view authority and change.”
Examples
simple
“Harsh words engender anger and mistrust.”
contextual
“The new manager's open meetings engender trust among staff who felt ignored before.”
complex
“Policies that widen inequality engender resentment that can persist for generations, quietly shaping how communities view authority and change.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “engender” in context.
Verb
01. engender controversy
“The proposal engendered controversy long before the vote.”
verb + noun
02. engender fear
“Constant surveillance engenders fear rather than cooperation.”
verb + noun
03. engender hostility
“Divisive rhetoric engenders hostility towards minorities.”
verb + noun
04. engender loyalty
“Fair treatment engenders loyalty that money cannot buy.”
verb + noun
05. engender resentment
“Unfair workloads engender resentment among junior staff.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. easily engender
“Harsh criticism can easily engender defensiveness in children.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. engender feeling of
“The victory engendered a feeling of optimism nationwide.”
verb + noun + prep
08. engender a sense of loyalty
“Mentoring new staff helps engender a sense of loyalty.”
09. engender feelings of resentment
“Sudden layoffs engendered feelings of resentment across the factory.”
10. engender heated debate about policy
“The report engendered heated debate about education policy.”
11. engender hostility towards outsiders
“Inflammatory headlines engender hostility towards outsiders.”
12. engender public support for reform
“Clear data helped engender public support for reform.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often an abstract noun.
Real-World Examples
“The problem with doomerism isn’t necessarily that the risks are exaggerated, but that it may create a self-fulfilling prophecy – by engendering helplessness, rather than galvanising people.” Etymology
From Middle English engendren, from Old French engendrer, from Latin ingenerāre.
From en- + gender.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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