anthropomorphize

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fahyz ]

/ ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr faɪz /

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verb (used with or without object), an·thro·po·mor·phized, an·thro·po·mor·phiz·ing.

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

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

Origin of anthropomorphize

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

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropomorphize

an·thro·po·mor·phi·za·tion, noun

Words nearby anthropomorphize

anthropometric, anthropometrics, anthropometry, anthropomorphic, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphize, anthropomorphosis, anthropomorphous, anthroponomy, anthroponym, anthroponymy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anthropomorphize in a sentence

After all, we tend to anthropomorphize—think that nonhuman systems will behave in ways identical to humans.
Drugs, Robots, and the Pursuit of Pleasure: Why Experts Are Worried About AIs Becoming Addicts|Thomas Moynihan|September 17, 2021|Singularity Hub
Humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize non-human things, from animals to inanimate objects to robots and computers.
AI Is Harder Than We Think: 4 Key Fallacies in AI Research|Vanessa Bates Ramirez|May 6, 2021|Singularity Hub
That I am prone to anthropomorphizing trees and seeds and Neanderthals.
Gaia, the Scientist - Issue 99: Universality|Hope Jahren|April 7, 2021|Nautilus
Among the many frisky entries are pictures of anthropomorphized creatures both natural and mythological.
In the galleries: Artists sport their chops with prints on the cutting edge|Mark Jenkins|March 19, 2021|Washington Post

The same tendency to anthropomorphize helps sell everything from doggie sweaters to… catered birthday bashes.
Man's Only Friend|Michael Schaffer|March 31, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Even when you worship a beast or a stone, you practically anthropomorphize it.
Five Stages of Greek Religion|Gilbert Murray

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphize

anthropomorphize

anthropomorphise

/ (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaɪz) /

verb

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012