-ize
verb suffix
1
a(1)
: cause to be or conform to or resemble
systemize
Americanize
: cause to be formed into
unionize
(2)
: subject to a (specified) action
plagiarize
(3)
: impregnate or treat or combine with
aluminize
b
: treat like
idolize
c
: treat according to the method of
bowdlerize
2
a
: become : become like
crystallize
b
: be productive in or of
hypothesize
: engage in a (specified) activity
philosophize
c
: adopt or spread the manner of activity or the teaching of
Platonize
Adding -Ize to a Noun or Adjective: Usage Guide
The suffix -ize has been productive in English since the time of Thomas Nashe (1567–1601), who claimed credit for introducing it into English to remedy the surplus of monosyllabic words. Almost any noun or adjective can be made into a verb by adding -ize
hospitalize
familiarize
; many technical terms are coined this way
oxidize
as well as verbs of ethnic derivation
Americanize
and verbs derived from proper names.
bowdlerize
mesmerize
Nashe noted in 1591 that his -ize coinages were being criticized, and to this day new words ending in -ize
finalize
prioritize
are sure to draw critical fire.
Dictionary Entries Near -ize
Cite this Entry
“-ize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-ize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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