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Synonyms

humanize

American  
[hyoo-muh-nahyz, yoo-] / ˈhyu məˌnaɪz, ˈyu- /
especially British, humanise

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 British  
/ ˈhjuːməˌnaɪz /

verb

  1. to make or become human

  2. to make or become humane

"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

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)

Etymology

Origin of humanize

First recorded in 1595–1605; human + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each version was evaluated in humanized animal models of HPV-positive cancer and in tumor samples taken from patients with head and neck cancer.

From Science Daily

He is particularly interested in humanizing national trends that impact underreported communities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scars and suffering have humanized her image and widened her audience and power.

From The Wall Street Journal

The event is part of what NFL marketing bosses describe as the organization's "helmets off" strategy, intended to humanize players and increase engagement, particularly among younger fans, by emphasizing their personalities and off-field interests.

From Barron's

After his turn humanizing Shakespeare in “Hamnet,” Mescal, vying for an Oscar nod for the film this week, will appear next as Paul McCartney.

From The Wall Street Journal