normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized; normalizing; normalizes

transitive verb

1

: to make (something) conform to or reduce (something) to a norm or standard

… a standard written language that by 1776 had become normalized in grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.

—E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

2

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

3

: to bring or restore to a normal condition

normalize relations between two countries

… soluble fibers that help to normalize blood sugar.

—Jane E. Brody

4

: to allow or encourage (something considered extreme or taboo) to become viewed as normal

Let's normalize real talk around mental health.

—Cynthia Fowler

… helping to normalize bullying and negative behaviors as acceptable forms of interaction …

—Helena Duch

Mothers around the world are still fighting to normalize breastfeeding in public.

—Angela Andaloro

normalizable

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• formalize
• homogenize
• regularize
• standardize

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 on the Web

The Saudis, in particular, are unlikely to feel able to normalize ties with Israel without this. —Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2024

During Trump's tenure, the U.S. had a more aggressive stance towards Cuba, reversing the Obama administration's attempt to normalize relations with Havana. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters While the UAE normalized its diplomatic relations with Israel four years ago, Saudi Arabia was on the verge of doing so before the negotiations were derailed by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks, which Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. —Matt Bradley, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024

Central to the arrangement is an agreement by Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, which the United States would then reward with a new bilateral U.S.-Saudi security partnership. —Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

The coast guard hosted a dinner for residents and played acoustic guitar to entertain residents, one of the efforts to normalize life on the island. —Emily Feng, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024

Despite growing inflationary pressure, the ECB maintained a more accommodative policy for longer, beginning to normalize rates only after carefully assessing the impact on economic recovery. —Magdy Hassan Fayed, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Help build up his self esteem by normalizing breakups. —Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Billionaire Steve Cohen says a four-day work week will become normalized as forces like AI continue to optimize daily tasks. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized; normalizing

: to make normal or average

normalization

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

normalize

transitive verb

nor·​mal·​ize

variants or British normalise

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized or British normalised; normalizing or British normalising

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

normalize blood pressure

normalization noun

or British normalisation

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən