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

Listen fully, ask questions, and try to empathize with the client’s issues. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2025

The Elephant Whisperers reminds us that these creatures can love, empathize, and remember just like us humans. —Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025

Who knows how many fights didn’t break out in a melee because the flight crew spotted off-kilter passengers and knew how to listen and empathize to defuse a disruption? —Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025

As many women can empathize with, the winter season often forces us to do it all. —Ayana Underwood, Outside, 11 Dec. 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