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familiarize

[fuh-mil-yuh-rahyz]
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verb (used with object), fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.
  1. to make (onself or another) well-acquainted or conversant with something.
  2. to make (something) well-known; bring into common knowledge or use.
  3. Archaic. to make familiar; establish (a person) in friendly intimacy.
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verb (used without object), fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.
  1. Archaic. to associate in a familiar way.
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Also especially British, fa·mil·iar·ise.

Origin of familiarize

First recorded in 1600–10; familiar + -ize
Related formsfa·mil·iar·i·za·tion, nounfa·mil·iar·iz·er, nounre·fa·mil·iar·i·za·tion, nounre·fa·mil·iar·ize, verb (used with object), re·fa·mil·iar·ized, re·fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.un·fa·mil·iar·ized, adjective

Synonyms

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1. accustom, acquaint.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

naturalizeenlightencaseaccustomusecoachinuremixseasonschoolinforminstructtrainadjustadapthabituateprimepostpopularizecondition

Examples from the Web for familiarize

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • These are some of the devices by which Plato, like a modern novelist, seeks to familiarize the marvellous.

  • A study of the figures will familiarize our readers with the principal forms.

    Our Common Insects

    Alpheus Spring Packard

  • Not only can they familiarize themselves with the past, they are able to keep up with the present.

    The Pianolist

    Gustav Kobb

  • Can you familiarize me with the most direct course to a physician?

  • It was to be a non-stop trip, mostly to familiarize Rick with the terrain.

    The Golden Skull

    John Blaine

British Dictionary definitions for familiarize

familiarize

familiarise

verb (tr)
  1. to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject
  2. to make (something) generally known or accepted
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Derived Formsfamiliarization or familiarisation, nounfamiliarizer or familiariser, noun
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

Word Origin and History for familiarize

v.

c.1600, "to make well known," from familiar + -ize. Related: Familiarized; familiarizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper