revolutionize

verb

rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌre-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz How to pronounce revolutionize (audio)
revolutionized; revolutionizing

transitive verb

1
: to overthrow the established government of
2
: to imbue with revolutionary doctrines
3
: to change fundamentally or completely
revolutionize an industry

intransitive verb

: to engage in revolution
revolutionizer noun

Examples of revolutionize in a Sentence

The invention of the airplane revolutionized travel. This new drug may revolutionize cancer treatment. This discovery has revolutionized our understanding of how the human brain works.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The McMaster team’s broader research highlights how integrating biosensors, wearables, and AI could revolutionize diagnostics for women’s health — from reproductive conditions to cancer and osteoporosis. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 Lacks’ HeLa cells, which were discovered though her cervical cancer diagnosis, revolutionized virology, cancer research, and the quest for a polio vaccine. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 These devices promise to revolutionize computing by solving problems far beyond the reach of classical machines. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 DuPont debuted the material at the 1939 World’s Fair, revolutionizing fashion forever when nylon stockings hit the market a year later in 1940. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for revolutionize

Word History

Etymology

revolution + -ize

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of revolutionize was in 1797

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Cite this Entry

“Revolutionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revolutionize. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

revolutionize

verb
rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz How to pronounce revolutionize (audio)
revolutionized; revolutionizing
1
: to overthrow the established government of
2
: to cause a person to become a revolutionist
3
: to change greatly or completely
an invention that revolutionized the industry
revolutionizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on revolutionize

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