To take up and support as a cause or a policy; to advocate.
Rachel decided to espouse her best friend, Tom, after years of growing close and sharing everything. She felt happy as she planned a small wedding, thinking about all the promises they were about to make when they would finally espouse each other and start their life together.
I can’t believe he finally asked me. For years, I’ve known he was the only man I would ever want to espouse. Of course I said yes, and now we get to plan our wedding and our whole life together.
Margaret's parents didn't approve of Thomas, but she was determined to espouse him anyway. They had known each other since childhood, and no amount of their disapproval would stop her from becoming his wife. She loved him, and that was enough for her to ignore their protests completely.
When Henry decided to espouse the world-famous contortionist, he was excited about their wedding night—until he realized she could tie herself into knots and escape from handcuffs faster than he could say “I do.” He wondered if espousing her meant he’d ever win an argument again.
After eating the greatest sandwich of his life, Bartholomew declared his new purpose: he must find the chef and convince them to espouse him. He could not imagine a future without that perfect spicy mayo. His friends suggested he just ask for the recipe instead.
Sara and John were childhood sweethearts who had always planned to espouse each other someday. They had dreamt of a beautiful wedding ceremony surrounded by their loved ones, exchanging vows and promising to love and cherish each other forever.
The old house stood dark and foreboding, its windows shattered and its doors creaking in the wind. Inside, a figure moved silently through the shadows, its eyes gleaming with malice. In the corner, a young woman huddled in fear, her hands shaking as she clutched a knife. The figure approached her slowly, a twisted smile on its face as it reached out to espouse her to darkness. With a scream, the woman lashed out, the knife finding its mark. But the figure only laughed, its grip tightening as it whispered, "You are mine now, forever."
In the macabre woods, the gnarled tree's roots espoused the tombstone, as if they were trying to drag the dead back to the underworld. The grave's grim embrace, a twisted union of decay and despair, chilled the air with a palpable horror.
In the quiet village of Willowbrook, a young maiden named Elara awaited the arrival of her betrothed, a handsome knight named Tristan. Their families had long espoused their union, and now the time had come for them to be joined in marriage. Elara's heart fluttered with excitement as she donned her finest gown and braided flowers into her hair. The villagers gathered in the town square, eager to witness the ceremony that would unite two souls in love. As Tristan approached, Elara knew that from this day forward, they would be husband and wife, bound together in eternal devotion.
When we use the word 'espouse' to mean 'marry,' we are referring to the act of entering into a formal union or partnership with another person. This term is often used in a more formal or literary context to describe the act of committing to someone in a legal and emotional sense. When two individuals espouse each other, they are making a public declaration of their love and dedication to one another. This word carries connotations of loyalty, devotion, and a deep emotional connection between two people who have chosen to spend their lives together in a committed relationship.
He chose to espouse Maria despite his family’s objections. Their differences in culture and language didn’t matter. At the wedding, he promised to love her forever, believing that choosing whom to espouse meant taking a real stand for happiness in a world full of doubts and fear.
My daughter is a treasure, and I will not permit her to espouse any man who cannot properly provide for her. You must demonstrate your worth and your commitment before I grant my blessing for such a serious union.
After three years together, Marcus finally asked Claire to espouse him on a quiet beach at sunset. She said yes without hesitation, knowing they'd build a life full of ordinary moments and shared laughter. They planned a simple ceremony for spring, inviting only their closest family and friends to witness their commitment.
Everyone in town knew Harold wanted to espouse Gina, but Gina insisted she’d only marry a man who could successfully juggle three flaming torches while reciting Shakespeare. Harold practiced daily—I’ll never understand love, but I’ll always appreciate a man willing to risk his eyebrows for romance.
The Duke's contract was explicit: his daughter must espouse the gormless Viscount by Tuesday or forfeit her inheritance of one thousand prize-winning chickens. Petunia was already pricing out coops, finding the poultry a far more appealing long-term commitment than the perpetually confused nobleman.
After years of companionship, Lena finally asked Martin if he would espouse her. The sincerity in her question illuminated the room, and Martin’s affirmative answer mingled surprise and jubilation. Both understood that to espouse meant choosing to traverse life’s uncertainties together as partners.
Sir, I understand my modest provenance may give you pause. Despite this, my love is absolute, and I humbly ask your permission to espouse your daughter. My life's vocation will be her happiness, a solemn promise I intend to keep.
When Margaret learned that her father planned to espouse the merchant's daughter by spring, she felt a surge of relief. His grief had ossified into something unbearable, but this woman's pragmatic warmth seemed to kindle hope again. Perhaps marriage would restore the vitality that death had leached from their household.
When Lord Pumpernickel decided to espouse Lady Sourdough, the entire breadbasket gasped in disbelief—who could have predicted the matrimony of wheat and rye? At their wedding, even the croutons were verklempt, struggling to hold themselves together amidst the doughy spectacle.
The corpulent king, a notorious troglodyte, issued a bizarre edict: any courtier caught dozing would be summarily forced to espouse a particularly homely gargoyle. A preternatural wakefulness, punctuated only by nervous coughs, immediately seized the entire assembly.
Normal — Everyday words worth reinforcing.