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

Explanation

To euphemize is to refer to something bad or offensive in softer, vaguer terms: in other words, with a euphemism. Euphemisms are words that cushion the blow of reality, allowing us to avoid an unpleasant word or topic. Saying passed away instead of died is using a euphemism, which can also be called euphemizing. People euphemize about topics that are difficult to talk about, such as sex and death. When politicians started calling civilian deaths collateral damage, that was a classic case of euphemizing. When we euphemize, we avoid harsh words with softer — and often deceptive — terms.

Example Sentences

Remembering is dangerous when attachments are so tenuous; better to isolate, to distance or to euphemize.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2021

Regardless, the size of your partner’s body does not need to be an embarrassing secret that you tiptoe around or euphemize.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2020

She would never euphemize cause of death, believing that wider social truths about disease, mental health, addiction could be communicated more effectively through the experience of an individual.

From The Guardian • May 2, 2020

But there was certainly no effort to soft-pedal or euphemize their views.

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2017

Jargon acts not only to euphemize but to license, setting insiders against outsiders and giving the flimsiest notions a scientific aura.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 7, 2016