popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz 

popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as

a

: to cause to be liked or esteemed

b

: to present in generally understandable or interesting form

popularization

ˌpä-pyə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show

Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud.

The book presents a popularized version of American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Coercive control is a term popularized by sociologist Evan Stark, who theorized that the way abusers take over victims' lives is similar to the psychological torture and control used on prisoners of war and cult members. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 1 May 2025

The concept, popularized by American political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to the ability to attract rather than compel. —Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025

Also known as Hepburn bangs, micro bangs were popularized by the Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn, who famously wore short, choppy fringe in films and on red carpets. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025

By 1970, people began calling the area Silicon Valley, a name popularized by journalist and engineer Don Hoefler. —Mark Dent, HubSpot, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for popularize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz 

popularized; popularizing

: to make popular

popularization

ˌpäp-yə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

noun