Americanization

American  

[uh-mer-i-kuh-nahy-zey-shuhn, -ni-zey-] / əˌmɛr ɪ kə naɪˈzeɪ ʃən, -nɪˈzeɪ- /

especially British, Americanisation

noun

1. the act or process of conforming, or making something conform, to the values, customs, and institutions of the United States.

   Our organization demonstrates a dynamic, respectful approach to international aid—one that doesn't attempt an Americanization of a foreign people.

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Other Word Forms

• de-Americanization noun

Etymology

Origin of Americanization

Americaniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Russians were annoyed that the subject was Ukraine; the Ukrainians were offended by Copland’s Americanization of their folk music and by Ira Gershwin’s lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025

And they often use a dirty word for it: Americanization.

From New York Times • May 13, 2023

American cultural omnivorousness, which is pronounced in the realms of cuisine and music, remains hostage to a decidedly provincial rider: For something of foreign provenance to gain traction, it must undergo Americanization.

From Washington Post • Nov. 2, 2021

For “The Shadow of Your Smile,” he went first to Mercer, with whom he had written “Emily” from “The Americanization of Emily.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2020

The expression reminds me that she and my father have not followed their children all the way down the path to full Americanization.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez