1
a(1)
: cause to be or conform to or resemble
systemize
Americanize
: cause to be formed into
unionize
(2)
: subject to a (specified) action
plagiarize
(3)
: impregnate or treat or combine with
aluminize
b
: treat like
idolize
c
: treat according to the method of
bowdlerize
2
a
: become : become like
crystallize
b
: be productive in or of
hypothesize
: engage in a (specified) activity
philosophize
c
: adopt or spread the manner of activity or the teaching of
Platonize
Adding -Ize to a Noun or Adjective: Usage Guide

The suffix -ize has been productive in English since the time of Thomas Nashe (1567–1601), who claimed credit for introducing it into English to remedy the surplus of monosyllabic words. Almost any noun or adjective can be made into a verb by adding -ize

hospitalize
familiarize

; many technical terms are coined this way

oxidize

as well as verbs of ethnic derivation

Americanize

and verbs derived from proper names.

bowdlerize
mesmerize

Nashe noted in 1591 that his -ize coinages were being criticized, and to this day new words ending in -ize

finalize
prioritize

are sure to draw critical fire.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French -iser, from Late Latin -izare, from Greek -izein

Dictionary Entries Near -ize

Cite this Entry

“-ize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-ize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

-ize

verb suffix
ˌīz
1
: cause to be or conform to or resemble
Americanize
: form or cause to be formed into
crystallize
unionize
2
a
: subject to a specified action
satirize
b
: saturate, treat, or combine with
oxidize
macadamize
3
: treat like
idolize
4
: engage in a (specified) activity
philosophize
Etymology

derived from Greek -izein (verb suffix)

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