verb
espouse
ih-SPOWZ/ɪˈspaʊz/
To adopt or support a belief or cause.
The advocate espouses planting neighborhood trees while presenting the plan to a resident.
Etymology
The root’s solemn promise led to the meaning “take in marriage.” Espousing a cause extends that commitment metaphorically: one adopts and supports it as one’s own.
In context
they spread misinformation and espouse right wing talking points with regard to these policies
More examples
- Both candidates espouse the cause of prison reform.
- She has long espoused nonviolence as a guiding principle.
- Espousing fairness means little if your actions contradict it.
Forms
espouse · espouses · espoused · espousing
espousal noun — The adoption or support of a cause.