SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

idiotize

transitive verb
Save Word
id·​i·​ot·​ize | \ -ətˌīz, -əˌtīz \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of idiotize

: to make a fool of : cause to become or behave like an idiot

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of idiotize

1775, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for idiotize

idiot entry 1 + -ize

Learn More About idiotize

Time Traveler for idiotize

Time Traveler

The first known use of idiotize was in 1775

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near idiotize

idiotism

idiotize

idiot light

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for idiotize

Cite this Entry

“Idiotize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiotize. Accessed 27 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

jingoism

Listen to the pronunciation of jingoism

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Word Does Not Belong?

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games