anthropomorphize

1 of 2

verb

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phize ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfīz 

anthropomorphized; anthropomorphizing

transitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to

intransitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to things not human

anthropomorphization

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌmȯr-fə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

anthropomorphization

2 of 2

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phi·​za·​tion ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌmȯr-fə-ˈzā-shən 

plural -s

: the act or process of anthropomorphizing

Examples of anthropomorphize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The problem with headlines proclaiming that AI agents have gone rogue goes beyond anthropomorphizing the technology. — Deven Desai, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

Its inspiration comes from a fly on a windowsill that Brickell focused on and anthropomorphized to represent the idea that all living creatures matter. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026

Its mechanical system enables rapid head-turning movements that anthropomorphize the little camera. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

This would be a bridge too far and a form of anthropomorphizing of AI. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

anthropomorph(ic) or anthropomorph(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

Verb

1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for anthropomorphize

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