hypostatize

[hahy-pos-tuh-tahyz, hi-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hypostatize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), hy·pos·ta·tized, hy·pos·ta·tiz·ing.

to treat or regard (a concept, idea, etc.) as a distinct substance or reality.

Also especially British, hy·pos·ta·tise.

Origin of hypostatize

1820–30; < Greek hypostat(ós) (see hypostatic) + -ize

Related formshy·pos·ta·ti·za·tion, noun

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

Related Words for hypostatize

emerge, appear, realize, unfold, happen, occur, illustrate, exemplify, incorporate, exhibit, express, epitomize, manifest, typify, personify, mirror, demonstrate, symbolize, evolve, visualize

Examples from the Web for hypostatize

Historical Examples of hypostatize

If we apply it also to qualities of things, we hypostatize the abstract quality.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy
Isaac Husik
We are aware that "the tendency of modern thought" is to hypostatize force and intelligence, and conceive them as entities.
The Theistic Conception of the World
B. F. (Benjamin Franklin) Cocker

British Dictionary definitions for hypostatize

hypostatize

hypostatise

verb (tr)

to regard or treat as real

to embody or personify

Derived Formshypostatization or hypostatisation, 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