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

Researchers found that the more the target partner expressed themselves, whether verbally or nonverbally, the more accurately their partner was able to understand and empathize with them. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

McDaniel empathizes with Wilson for going through a high-pressure situation as the No. 2 pick in a draft in a media market like New York. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025

Conversely, an unwillingness to empathize can stem from a familiar weakness: a fear of knowledge. —Colin Marshall, The Conversation, 22 May 2025

Image At John’s Pizzeria, Mr. Jackson has empathized with his customers who complain about the congestion toll. —Winnie Hu, New York Times, 12 May 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