apostrophize

verb

apos·​tro·​phize ə-ˈpä-strə-ˌfīz How to pronounce apostrophize (audio)
apostrophized; apostrophizing

transitive verb

: to address by or in apostrophe

intransitive verb

: to make use of apostrophe

Examples of apostrophize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Both thereby apostrophize America’s original sin and permanent crisis: the otherizing of the not white, regardless of gradations. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2019 Schumer brings this to life with the exemplary comedic device of self-apostrophizing asides, in which Emily brandishes her self-esteem to herself as if to compensate for its absence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apostrophize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

apostrophe entry 2 + -ize

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of apostrophize was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near apostrophize

Cite this Entry

“Apostrophize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostrophize. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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