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 Brunson empathizes with him then shares her approach to dealing with overwhelm–taking butterfly breaths. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 Working with a local agent who knows the area and can empathize with their clients is, in my view, invaluable, and most clients will want those benefits. Jesse Sasomsup, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Meeting someone who can empathize with the limitations, discomfort, and even the mental strain that comes with surgery can often help with patient confidence and even improve recovery outcomes. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 12 Feb. 2024 Continue to listen, empathize, and offer support as your employees navigate these challenges. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 Actively listening and empathizing humanizes conversations, fostering deep client understanding. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Madison, who lived in the Mansion decades after Stratten, empathized with how the young Dorothy must have felt. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 People still learn and their brains develop an understanding of the context of the other individuals, which is very important for understanding and empathizing with their plight and wanting to help. Quanta Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 Lue, the best player on his high school and college teams who became a role player in the NBA, can empathize with the gap between Powell’s self-belief and nightly role. Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'empathize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

Dictionary Entries Near empathize

Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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