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.

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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

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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

The call-in, which lasted four hours and a half hours, has also been used to humanize a leader better known in the West for his gruff outbursts and cold demeanor.

From The Wall Street Journal

The magazine’s mission was to shine a light on the disease to humanize and restore dignity to its sufferers.

From Salon

My whole career, I’ve been pretty good at taking an unsavory character and humanizing him.

From The Wall Street Journal

The level of understanding she had of Alani, and Whitaker’s desire to humanize her, made a character who could have been seen as unrelatable, ignorant or even irritating into a delightfully self-aware fan favorite.

From Los Angeles Times

Schwartz also said letting the officer speak could serve to “humanize” him to the jury.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civilize
• tame