valorize

verb val·o·rize \ ˈva-lə-ˌrīz \

Definition of valorize

valorized; valorizing

transitive verb

1 : to enhance or try to enhance the price, value, or status of by organized and usually governmental action

using subsidies to valorize coffee

2 : to assign value or merit to : validate

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valorization

play \ˌva-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

Recent Examples of valorize from the Web

But a curious thing has happened in the half-century since his death — those who opposed him now valorize him.

— jemar tisby, Washington Post, "Why so many white churches resisted Martin Luther King Jr.’s call," 15 Jan. 2018
The Spanish state codified the process and ingredients to regulate the quality and geographic origins of Idiazabal cheese, a strategy to valorize this local product in the larger market place.

— michael atwood mason, Smithsonian, "After 50 Years of Song, Dance, Food, Even Hog Calling, at the Folklife Festival, Is It Still Worthwhile?," 21 June 2017
The Spanish state codified the process and ingredients to regulate the quality and geographic origins of Idiazabal cheese, a strategy to valorize this local product in the larger market place.

— michael atwood mason, Smithsonian, "After 50 Years of Song, Dance, Food, Even Hog Calling, at the Folklife Festival, Is It Still Worthwhile?," 22 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of valorize

back-formation from valorization, borrowed from Portuguese valorizacão, from valorizar "to enhance the value of" (from valor "value, worth"—going back to early Medieval Latin—+ -izar -ize) + -acão -ation — more at valor

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1906

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year