Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

parabolize

transitive verb
pa·​rab·​o·​lize | \ pəˈrabəˌlīz\
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of parabolize

1 : to express in fables or explain as parables
2 : to make (as a mirror for a telescope) parabolic or paraboloidal

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!

History and Etymology for parabolize

in sense 1, from Late Latin parabola parable + English -ize; in sense 2, from New Latin parabola + English -ize

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about parabolize

Statistics for parabolize

Look-up Popularity

Comments on parabolize

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

coin of the realm

Listen to the pronounciation of coin of the realm

something valued as if it were money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

  • time traveler quiz which word came first
  • Which came first?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

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