indigenize

[ in-dij-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·dig·e·nized, in·dig·e·niz·ing.

1. to make indigenous.
2. to increase local participation in or ownership of:

   to indigenize foreign-owned companies.

3. to adapt (beliefs, customs, etc.) to local ways.

Other Words From

• in·dige·ni·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigenize¹

First recorded in 1950–55; indigen(ous) + -ize