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

Derived 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

It played a role in the Americanization process, because it was an incredible environment: it had incredible food, it was cheap, you didn’t need to speak English, you could stay there a while.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2022

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

If I rehearse here the changes in my private life after my Americanization, it is finally to emphasize the public gain.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez