revolutionize

verb

rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌre-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz 

revolutionized; revolutionizing

transitive verb

1

: to overthrow the established government of

2

: to imbue with revolutionary doctrines

3

: to change fundamentally or completely

revolutionize an industry

intransitive verb

: to engage in revolution

revolutionizer noun

Examples of revolutionize in a Sentence

The invention of the airplane revolutionized travel.

This new drug may revolutionize cancer treatment.

This discovery has revolutionized our understanding of how the human brain works.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as Apple reinvented the telephone, Tesla has effectively reinvented the car, turning it from a vehicle to a computer on four wheels and revolutionizing how it is built, making the process faster, more innovative, and more efficient. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

The rapid rise of online betting platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket has revolutionized the way many Americans follow elections. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

On first impression, at least, the touchscreen doesn’t seem likely to revolutionize the MacBook. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 28 Oct. 2026

The eight-time pro bowler and Hall of Famer helped revolutionize the linebacker position, starring for the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1965. — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

revolution + -ize

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for revolutionize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise

Kids Definition

revolutionize

verb

rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz 

revolutionized; revolutionizing

1

: to overthrow the established government of

2

: to cause a person to become a revolutionist

3

: to change greatly or completely

an invention that revolutionized the industry

revolutionizer noun