depersonalize

verb

de·​per·​son·​al·​ize (ˈ)dē-ˈpər-snə-ˌlīz 

-ˈpər-sə-nə-

depersonalized; depersonalizing; depersonalizes

transitive verb

1

: to deprive of the sense of personal identity

schools that depersonalize students

2

: to make impersonal

depersonalizing medical care

Examples of depersonalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Professional organizers, estate specialists, or a facilitator can depersonalize decisions and keep conversations productive. — Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

Rob made enough money to buy a second home, but the effect was depersonalizing. — Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026

The minus, for me at least, is to depersonalize these iconic figures. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Conventional wisdom dictates that the best way to stage a home is to depersonalize it. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for depersonalize

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