gen·tri·fy \ˈjen.trə̇ˌfī\verb (-ed/-ing/-es-s) Etymology: back-formation from gentrification (herein) transitive verb 1.: to attempt or accomplish the gentrification of 2.: to raise the social status of ; especially : to make acceptable to a higher and more affluent level of society < four-wheel-drive utility vehicle was gentrified years ago with … nicer interiors — John Koten > intransitive verb : to become gentrified • gen·tri·fi·er\-ˌfīə(r)\noun