-ize

verb suffix

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

Word History

Etymology

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

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)