in·dig·e·nize \ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌnīz\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology:indigenous + -ize 1.: to cause to have indigenous characteristics : adapt to indigenous conditions or practices < an excellent way of indigenizing what would otherwise remain a foreign system — F.M.Keesing > 2.: to cause to be made up chiefly of an indigenous personnel < indigenizing the teaching staff of a school >