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

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

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The effort to humanize Dahmer is both obscene and, sadly, textbook.

Read more on Salon

Sussberg, who studied communications at Syracuse University, says his stories help humanize clients, and he encourages his Kirkland colleagues to share their experiences with the court.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Skaggs’ lawyer asked questions to elicit testimony from Trout that would humanize Skaggs, to establish that he was a valued teammate and friend.

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What I wanted to do with this material was flip that narrative and use it to humanize this community.

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Related Words

• civilize 
• tame