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

Workers are expected to empathize, regulate emotion and show up wholeheartedly, often without meaningful organizational support. —Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

This holy month is a time for self-restraint with focus on the spiritual, as well as being charitable and empathizing with those who may not have access to food or shelter. —Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Many parents can empathize with that desire to keep their children safe. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

Among their tips for Saturday: deescalate, empathize, listen, never touch a police officer. —Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 13 June 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