-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
Word History
Etymology
Middle French -iser, from Late Latin -izare, from Greek -izein
Kids Definition
-ize
verb suffix
ˌīz
-ized; -izing
1
: cause to be or be like : form or cause to be formed into
crystallize
2
: cause to experience a specified action
hypnotize
3
: saturate, treat, or combine with
4
: treat like
idolize
5
: engage in a specified activity
colonize