Frenchify

[fren-chuh-fahy]

verb (used with object), French·i·fied, French·i·fy·ing. (often lowercase)

to make (something or someone) resemble the French, as in manners, customs, or dress: to Frenchify the spelling of one's name.

Origin of Frenchify

First recorded in 1585–95; French + -ify

Related formsFrench·i·fi·ca·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for frenchify

Historical Examples of frenchify

Do you think there is any good in helping to Frenchify our army?
Beauchamp's Career, Complete
George Meredith
When the grand serious German nature does Frenchify itself, it can become so extravagantly French!
A Strange Story, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
The work of the Oratorists was in a certain measure to Frenchify and modernize the instruction of the Jesuits.
The Spell of the Heart of France
Andr Hallays
As a matter of fact, we should seek vainly for proof of any attempt to frenchify the country at the time.
Belgium
Emile Cammaerts

British Dictionary definitions for frenchify

Frenchify

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

informal to make or become French in appearance, behaviour, etc

Derived FormsFrenchification, 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 frenchify

Frenchify

1590s, from French + -ify. Usually contemptuous (e.g. Richardson in his introduction to "Pamela," beseeching the editor not to "Frenchify our English solidity into froth and whip-syllabub"). Related: Frenchified; Frenchifying.