naturalize

nat·u·ral·ize

verb \ˈna-chə-rə-ˌlīz, ˈnach-rə-\

nat·u·ral·izednat·u·ral·iz·ing

Definition of NATURALIZE

transitive verb

1

: to confer the rights of a national on; especially : to admit to citizenship

2

: to introduce into common use or into the vernacular

3

: to bring into conformity with nature

4

: to cause (as a plant) to become established as if native

intransitive verb

: to become established as if native

— nat·u·ral·i·za·tion \ˌna-chə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌnach-rə-\ noun

Examples of NATURALIZE

1. The government refused to naturalize them without documentation.
2. naturalized citizens of the U.S.
3. Several Asian fish have become naturalized in these lakes.
4. Before you naturalize bulbs in your lawn, fertilize well.
5. These daisies naturalize well in the Pacific Northwest.

First Known Use of NATURALIZE

1559