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

Learning another language can deepen cultural understanding, improve interpersonal communication and encourage people to empathize with other people’s perspectives and experiences. — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

Art history is full of artists like McNeely and Soutine, on society’s margins and empathizing with our species’ cold, systematic violence toward other animals. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Clark empathized with short men who tried but failed to find a girlfriend. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

By shining a light on one of her toughest periods (Diana and Charles separated in 1992), Stewart empathized with Diana deeply. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathize

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

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