Latinize

[ lat-n-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.

1. to cause to conform to the customs, traditions, beliefs, etc., of the Latins or the Latin Church.
2. to intermix with Latin elements.
3. to translate into Latin.
4. to make Latin American in character:

   The influx of Cuban immigrants has Latinized Miami.

5. Romanize ( def 3 ).

verb (used without object)

, Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.

1. to use words and phrases from Latin:

   He Latinizes in his poetry.

Latinize

/ ˈlætɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to translate into Latin or Latinisms
2. to transliterate into the Latin alphabet
3. to cause to acquire Latin style or customs
4. to bring Roman Catholic influence to bear upon (the form of religious ceremonies, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˌLatiniˈzation, noun
• ˈLatinˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• Latin·i·zation noun
• de-Latin·i·zation noun
• half-Latin·ized adjective
• un-Latin·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Latinize¹

First recorded in 1580–90; < Late Latin latīnīzāre “to translate into Latin”; Latin, -ize

Example Sentences

It was not unusual with the old German authors to Latinize their names on the title-page of their books.

From Project Gutenberg

The savants at that time were wont to latinize their names in their enthusiasm for the classics.

From Project Gutenberg

The second is better than the first: to Latinize the surname and not the Christian name is very unscholarlike.

From Project Gutenberg

He owed his aristocratic name to the custom, prevalent in those days, to Latinize all vulgar appellations.

From Project Gutenberg

He would paganize, Latinize and Mediterraneanize the genius of Europe.

From Project Gutenberg