empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy

empathized with his son's fears

empathizer

ˈem-pə-ˌthī-zər 

noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tessa, attempting to calm her by empathizing with how her life (and soul) was robbed from her. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 July 2025

Workers are expected to empathize, regulate emotion and show up wholeheartedly, often without meaningful organizational support. —Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

This holy month is a time for self-restraint with focus on the spiritual, as well as being charitable and empathizing with those who may not have access to food or shelter. —Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Many parents can empathize with that desire to keep their children safe. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb

em·​pa·​thize

variants or British empathise

ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising

: to experience empathy

adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations