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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

anthropometer, anthropometrics, anthropometry, anthropomorphic, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphize, anthropomorphosis, anthropomorphous, anthroponomy, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, anthroponym
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for anthropomorphize

  • 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
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