euphemize

American  

[yoo-fuh-mahyz] / ˈyu fəˌmaɪz /

especially British, euphemise

verb (used with object)

euphemized, euphemizing

1. to refer to by means of euphemism.

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verb (used without object)

euphemized, euphemizing

1. to employ euphemism.

euphemize British  

/ ˈjuːfɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to speak in euphemisms or refer to by means of a euphemism

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Other Word Forms

• euphemization noun
• euphemizer noun

Etymology

Origin of euphemize

First recorded in 1855–60, euphemize is from the Greek word euphēmízein to use words of good omen. See euphemism, -ize

Example Sentences

There’s a vested interest in euphemizing and dismissing kindness itself.

From Los Angeles Times

That was the American form that we kind of euphemized as slavery.

From Salon

Later, their sad parts were endlessly euphemized until they could be mistaken for happy endings.

From Los Angeles Times

That changing landscape and the dwindling opportunities therein, whether euphemized as “luxury development,” “slum clearance” or “vintage micro-units,” served as a catalyst for filmmaker A.V.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the most horrific stories of “vis” have been euphemized in translation.

From Washington Post