anthropomorphize

American  

[an-thruh-puh-mawr-fahyz] / ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr faɪz /

especially British, anthropomorphise

verb (used with or without object)

anthropomorphized, anthropomorphizing

1. to ascribe human form or attributes to (an animal, plant, material object, etc.).

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anthropomorphize British  

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaɪz /

verb

1. to attribute or ascribe human form or behaviour to (a god, animal, object, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• anthropomorphization noun

Etymology

Origin of anthropomorphize

First recorded in 1835–45; anthropomorph(ic) ( def. ) + -ize

Example Sentences

I think that there is a moral implication when people use the word "shame," which is anthropomorphizing, so I'm going to replace it with "embarrassment."

From Salon

“A lot of people anthropomorphize them — this is who has been with them their entire lives,” Karper said.

From Los Angeles Times

“We have anthropomorphized them, and they are not Yogi,” she said.

From Seattle Times

I know that scientists would warn me off anthropomorphizing nature and its creatures, surrendering objectivity and good sense.

From Seattle Times

“He probably yearns for that contact, if I could anthropomorphize for a bit … because they are so social.”

From Seattle Times