Africanize

verb

Af·​ri·​can·​ize ˈa-fri-kə-ˌnīz How to pronounce Africanize (audio)
 also  ˈä-
Africanized; Africanizing

transitive verb

1
: to cause to acquire a distinctively African trait
2
: to bring under the influence, control, or cultural or civil supremacy of Africans and especially Black Africans
Africanization noun

Examples of Africanize in a Sentence

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.
Nevertheless, a pivotal step in its rise occurred at Keur Moussa, whose founders’ quest to Africanize their liturgy revolutionized the instrument. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

african entry 2 + -ize

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Africanize was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near Africanize

Cite this Entry

“Africanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Africanize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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