familiarize

American  

[fuh-mil-yuh-rahyz] / fəˈmɪl yəˌraɪz /

especially British, familiarise

verb (used with object)

familiarized, familiarizing

1. to make (onself or another person) well-acquainted or conversant with something.

   Synonyms:

   acquaint, accustom

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)

familiarized, familiarizing

1. Archaic. to associate in a familiar way.

familiarize British  

/ fəˈmɪljəˌraɪz /

verb

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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Other Word Forms

• familiarization noun
• familiarizer noun
• refamiliarization noun
• refamiliarize verb (used with object)
• unfamiliarized adjective

Etymology

Origin of familiarize

First recorded in 1600–10; familiar + -ize

Example Sentences

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with ingredients that can be used in lieu of onions, Chavez says.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

Any freelance journalist who finds herself despairing over the paltry rates that today’s assigning editors are offering might want to familiarize herself with Fanny Fern before her next negotiation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

As your home is your major asset, think about reverse-mortgage counseling, if only to familiarize yourself with the issue.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

We need to familiarize ourselves with every phase of that process so we can recognize it when it happens here.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2025

He ran a hand over his face, trying to familiarize himself with the new shape.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

• enlighten
• naturalize