anthropomorphize

verb

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phize ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfīz 

anthropomorphized; anthropomorphizing

transitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to

intransitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to things not human

anthropomorphization

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌmȯr-fə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of anthropomorphize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That said, the production design and visual effects are a genuine highlight, in particular Terry Notary’s movement choreography for the robots, which helps to better anthropomorphize the characters. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025

Understanding this fundamental difference, rather than anthropomorphizing AI agents, is key to creating effective human-AI partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of each. —Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Hill likens working with the AI to dealing with an extraterrestrial lifeform while simultaneously attempting to anthropomorphize it. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Dec. 2024

For years, researchers were cautioned not to anthropomorphize their subjects, or bestow human traits upon other animals. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

anthropomorph(ic) or anthropomorph(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for anthropomorphize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize