humanize

especially British, hu·man·ise

[hyoo-muh-nahyz, yoo-]

verb (used with object)

humanized, humanizing 

1. to make humane, kind, or gentle.

2. to make human.

verb (used without object)

humanized, humanizing 

1. to become human or humane.

humanize

/ ˈhjuːməˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become human

2. to make or become humane

Other Word Forms

• humanization noun
• humanizer noun
• nonhumanized adjective
• overhumanize verb
• rehumanization noun
• rehumanize verb
• semihumanized adjective
• superhumanize verb (used with object)
• unhumanize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanize¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; human + -ize

Example Sentences

“You’re more likely to hear stories of mixed families … and that kind of thing humanizes the situation instead of turning it into a lot of abstract statistics.”

From Los Angeles Times

These assist in humanizing figures other TV formats tend to flatten.

From Salon

Gunn’s writing humanized every single character – even Vigilante, a psycho unable to comprehend simple human cues like sarcasm, but who nearly collapses into tears when he realizes he may have failed his friend and hero.

From Salon

“You can humanize your dog or your cat, but I think even that’s a stretch,” says Steve Searles, a wildlife expert and author who Animal Planet once dubbed “The Bear Whisperer.”

From Los Angeles Times

The bracing period drama “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” humanizes a childhood that sounds easy to hate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civilize 
• tame