empathize

verb em·pa·thize \ ˈem-pə-ˌthīz \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of empathize

empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy

empathized with his son's fears

—

empathizer

play \ˈem-pə-ˌthī-zər\ noun

See empathize defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of empathize from the Web

The greatest contribution each can make now is to empathize with the other’s plight.

— steven p. dinkin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "The passed-over interim and the outside hire," 10 June 2018
But beyond these markers of pop culture, Smith compels readers to empathize with the stranger, the unknown.

— adrianna smith, The Atlantic, "What Tracy K. Smith Sees in America," 9 June 2018
Estes, who also lost a daughter in a wreck, empathized with Kristen's mother.

— max londberg, kansascity, "Rollover crash kills Independence teen, ejects 4. Car defect may be cause, report says | The Kansas City Star," 26 May 2018
Researchers at the University of Cambridge published a study in March that suggests subjects’ ability to empathize with others had little to do with their genetic makeup and more to do with how they were raised.

— eliana dockterman, Time, "Can Bad Men Change? What It’s Like Inside Sex Offender Therapy," 10 May 2018
In theory, the Penguin is an ideal villain for Burton to tackle, because Burton’s career has essentially been defined by his capacity to empathize with misfits.

— scott meslow, GQ, "Do Tim Burton’s Batman Movies Hold Up?," 7 Feb. 2018
One tries to empathize, imagining the poignant drama unfolding: a lifetime of possessions on the auction block, full of memories and open to gawkers, assumptions, and of course, judgment.

— marcia desanctis, Town & Country, "The Strange Saga of Trump Winery," 14 Oct. 2016
Gina Hawkins, the police chief in Fayetteville, North Carolina, said her ability to empathize as an officer stems from her struggles growing up black and Hispanic, including encountering discrimination.

— NBC News, "Black police chiefs grapple with officers' treatment of young black men," 14 May 2018
The plight of orangutans is one that human moms are particularly likely to empathize with because the mother-child bond of orangutans is one of the strongest of all primates.

— amy schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The zoo celebrates Mother's Day with free admission for (human) moms and advocacy for (orangutan) moms," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'empathize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.