normalize

verb nor·mal·ize \ ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz \

Definition of normalize

normalized; normalizing

transitive verb

1 : to make conform to or reduce to a norm or standard

2 : to make normal (as by a transformation of variables)

3 : to bring or restore to a normal condition

normalize relations between two countries

—

normalizable

play \ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

—

normalization

play \ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

See normalize defined for English-language learners

See normalize defined for kids

Examples of normalize in a Sentence

The drug normalizes heart function.
The talks are aimed at normalizing relations between the countries.
It took years for the political situation in the country to normalize.

Recent Examples of normalize from the Web

And so regardless of our level of feminist awareness, most of us consume, normalize, and to some degree internalize the limited images of womanhood presented to us.

— the editors, The Atlantic, "Terry Richardson and Literary Parties: The Week in Pop-Culture Writing," 28 Oct. 2017
And so regardless of our level of feminist awareness, most of us consume, normalize, and to some degree internalize the limited images of womanhood presented to us.

— rhonda garelick, The Cut, "All Consuming Women," 23 Oct. 2017
There’s even a cozy euphemism: the casting couch, a metaphor that observers say has helped to normalize the practice and blur the lines of responsibility and blame in a way that promotes silence.

— noelle swan, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Casting couch' or 'crime scene'? Hollywood's culture of sexual harassment," 18 Oct. 2017
As militant ideologies normalize, and communities lose faith that the police can protect them, an open question in open carry jurisdictions is whether gun carrying can be considered a threat before anyone gets hurt.

— olivia li, Slate Magazine, "Can You Bring a Gun to a Protest?," 17 Oct. 2017
Creating the conversation—and including everyone in it—helps normalize periods.

— claire gillespie, SELF, "This Teacher's Reddit Post Reminds Us We Should Start Talking About Periods Way Earlier," 10 Oct. 2017
Silence for the sake of expediency risks normalizing destructive behavior.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Readers write: Letters to the editor, October 29, 2017," 28 Oct. 2017
This isn’t the first step the brand has taken to normalize menstrual blood.

— anthea levi, PEOPLE.com, "This Pad Commercial Represents Real Period Blood," 20 Oct. 2017
This isn’t the first step the brand has taken to normalize menstrual blood.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "We Love That This Pad Commercial Shows Real Period Blood (Finally!)," 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'normalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of normalize

1847

normalize Synonyms

Synonyms

formalize, homogenize, regularize, standardize;

Near Antonyms

customize, individualize, tailor;

average, equalize, even;

square;

accredit, certify;

control, govern, regulate, rule;

conciliate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, integrate, reconcile, synthesize;

NORMALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

normalize

verb

Definition of normalize for English Language Learners

: to bring (someone or something) back to a usual or expected state or condition

Medical Dictionary

normalize

transitive verb nor·mal·ize

variants: or British normalise play \ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz\

medical Definition of normalize

normalized or British normalised; normalizing or British normalising

: to make conform to or reduce to a norm or standard

normalize blood pressure

—

normalization

or British normalisation play \ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

Learn More about normalize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for normalize Spanish Central: Translation of normalize Nglish: Translation of normalize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of normalize for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up normalize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

normalize

Definition of normalize

normalizable

normalization

Examples of normalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of normalize from the Web

First Known Use of normalize

normalize Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

NORMALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

normalize

Definition of normalize for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

normalize

medical Definition of normalize

normalization

Learn More about normalize

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes