Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

Latinize

[lat-n-ahyz]
verb (used with object), Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.
  1. to cause to conform to the customs, traditions, beliefs, etc., of the Latins or the Latin Church.
  2. to intermix with Latin elements.
  3. to translate into Latin.
  4. to make Latin-American in character: The influx of Cuban immigrants has Latinized Miami.
  5. Romanize(def 3).
Show More
verb (used without object), Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.
  1. to use words and phrases from Latin: He Latinizes in his poetry.
Show More
Also especially British, Lat·in·ise.

Origin of Latinize

First recorded in 1580–90, Latinize is from the Late Latin word latīnīzāre to translate into Latin. See Latin, -ize
Related formsLat·in·i·za·tion, nounde-Lat·in·i·za·tion, nounhalf-Lat·in·ized, adjectiveun-Lat·in·ized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for latinize

Historical Examples

  • He would paganize, Latinize and Mediterraneanize the genius of Europe.

    Suspended Judgments

    John Cowper Powys

  • The savants at that time were wont to latinize their names in their enthusiasm for the classics.

  • He owed his aristocratic name to the custom, prevalent in those days, to Latinize all vulgar appellations.

    Essays on Scandinavian Literature

    Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen

  • The second is better than the first: to Latinize the surname and not the Christian name is very unscholarlike.

  • It was not unusual with the old German authors to Latinize their names on the title-page of their books.

British Dictionary definitions for latinize

Latinize

Latinise

verb (tr)
  1. to translate into Latin or Latinisms
  2. to transliterate into the Latin alphabet
  3. to cause to acquire Latin style or customs
  4. to bring Roman Catholic influence to bear upon (the form of religious ceremonies, etc)
Show More
Derived FormsLatinization or Latinisation, nounLatinizer or Latiniser, 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