localize

verb

lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz 

localized; localizing

transitive verb

1

: to make local : orient locally

2

: to assign to or keep within a definite locality

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area

an infection that localizes in the ear

localizability

ˌlō-kə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

localizable

ˈlō-kə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

localization

ˌlō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of localize in a Sentence

Doctors are trying to localize the infection by using antibiotics.

The computer technician was able to localize the fault quickly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Destructive winds of 80-100 mph may occur, and localized extreme gusts of more than 100 mph are possible, starting from 2-4 p.m. Central Time, the weather service said. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024

Showers and thunderstorms may produce localized heavy downpours and isolated flooding, per a hazardous weather outlook. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

localize

verb

lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz 

localized; localizing

1

: to assign to or keep in a definite place or locality

2

: to be restricted to or accumulate in a limited area

pain localized in a joint

localization

ˌlō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

localize

verb

lo·​cal·​ize

variants also British localise

ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz 

localized also British localised; localizing also British localising

transitive verb

: to make local

especially : to fix in or confine to a definite place or part

hot applications helped to localize the infection

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area

this parasite localizes and grows in the muscle

—Morris Fishbein