anthropomorphize

especially British, an·thro·po·mor·phise

[an-thruh-puh-mawr-fahyz]

verb (used with or without object)

anthropomorphized, anthropomorphizing 

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

anthropomorphize

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaɪz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• anthropomorphization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropomorphize¹

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

Example Sentences

The piece emphasizes that “artificial intelligence” is fundamentally a marketing term rather than a scientific one, arguing that AI promoters exploit public misunderstanding by anthropomorphizing chatbots and labeling their mistakes as “hallucinations.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a Kafka-esque moment about an anthropomorphized insect in the center of the album’s plot, and the final track promises ascension, Heaven even, the many mansions of a spiritual home.

From Los Angeles Times

And though it may sound absurd to anthropomorphize the contents of my pantry, I can’t help but feel a quiet kind of solace in reshaping those overlooked, often sneered-at ingredients into something unexpectedly glorious.

From Salon

But while Pixar has anthropomorphized ants and rats and cars and dolls and emotions, this lonely boy feels stirringly human.

From Los Angeles Times

Others may warn that anthropomorphizing machines could lead to a neglect of human needs, particularly if corporations exploit sentimental attachment or dependence for profit, as has been the case with social media.

From Salon