Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense modernizes, present participle modernizing, past tense, past participle modernizedregional note: in BRIT, also use modernise
verb
To modernize something such as a system or a factory means to change it by replacing old equipment or methods with new ones.
...plans to modernize the refinery. [VERB noun]
There is a pressing need to modernise our electoral system. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: update, renew, revamp, remake More Synonyms of modernize
modernizingadjective
In effect, modernizing societies are portrayed as battlegrounds.
modernization (mɒdəʳnaɪzeɪʃən)uncountable noun
...the modernization of the region.
...a five-year modernization programme.
modernize in British English
or modernise (ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz)
verb
1. (transitive)
to make modern in appearance or style
to modernize a room
2. (intransitive)
to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc
Derived forms
modernization (ˌmoderniˈzation) or modernisation (moderniˈsation)
noun
modernizer (ˈmodernˌizer) or moderniser (ˈmodernˌiser)
noun
modernize in American English
(ˈmɑdərnˌaɪz)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈmodernˌized or ˈmodernˌizing
1.
to make modern; bring up to date in style, design, methods, etc.
verb intransitive
2.
to adopt modern ways; become modern
Derived forms
modernization (ˌmoderniˈzation)
noun
modernizer (ˈmodernˌizer)
noun
Word origin
Fr moderniser
Examples of 'modernize' in a sentence
modernize
I've just been waiting for an excuse to redecorate and modernize it a bit.
Gaskin, Catherine THE AMBASSADOR'S WOMEN (2004)
A country as big as that, beginning to modernize, a huge population.
Gaskin, Catherine THE AMBASSADOR'S WOMEN (2004)
We wish to modernize, and with a man of your stature, this could be easily accomplished.
Dale Brown and Jim DeFelice DALE BROWN'S DREAMLAND (5) STRIKE ZONE (2004)
In other languages
modernize
British English: modernize /ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz/ VERB
To modernize a system means to replace old equipment or methods with new ones.