empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy
empathized with his son's fears
empathizer noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some Reddit users in the comments empathized with the woman. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 June 2025 Still, that doesn’t mean Scott doesn’t empathize with respondents to the Mott Poll and other parents with similar concerns. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 June 2025 But finding a way to empathize with their flawed, criminally minded heroes is key. Marta Balaga, Variety, 15 June 2025 By comparison, in a November 2023 Quinnipiac poll, 54% of respondents empathized more with Israelis, while 24% sided with Palestinians. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for empathize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

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Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb
em·​pa·​thize
variants or British empathise
empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising
: to experience empathy
adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations

More from Merriam-Webster on empathize

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