empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy

empathized with his son's fears

empathizer

ˈem-pə-ˌthī-zər 

noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This research finding highlights that truly understanding each other means building both the skill to empathize and creating a relational environment where empathy can flourish. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Polls show that, like their current leaders, the large majority of Israeli Jews do not empathize with the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, which Israeli television and mainstream newspapers barely cover. —Dahlia Scheindlin, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2025

The woman empathizes with her husband, who struggles with the emotional toll. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Advertisement Being open can help reduce tension while allowing others to empathize. —Angela Haupt, Time, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb

em·​pa·​thize

variants or British empathise

ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising

: to experience empathy

adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations