generalize

gen·er·al·ize

verb \ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz, ˈje-nə-\

gen·er·al·izedgen·er·al·iz·ing

Definition of GENERALIZE

transitive verb

1

: to give a general form to

2

a : to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars

b : to draw a general conclusion from

3

: to give general applicability to <generalize a law>; also : to make indefinite

intransitive verb

1

: to form generalizations; also : to make vague or indefinite statements

2

: to spread or extend throughout the body

— gen·er·al·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌje-nə-\ noun

— gen·er·al·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

— gen·er·al·iz·er noun

First Known Use of GENERALIZE

circa 1751

Rhymes with GENERALIZE

accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, characterize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, externalize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize

gen·er·al·ize

intransitive verb    (Medical Dictionary)

gen·er·al·izedor British ; gen·er·al·ised; gen·er·al·iz·ingor British ; gen·er·al·is·ing

Medical Definition of GENERALIZE

: to spread or extend throughout the body <generalized paralysis>

Variants of GENERALIZE

gen·er·al·ize or British gen·er·al·ise \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\ (audio pronunciation)