motorize

especially British, mo·tor·ise

[moh-tuh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

motorized, motorizing 

1. to furnish with a motor, as a vehicle.

2. to supply with motor-driven vehicles, usually in the place of horses and horse-drawn vehicles.

motorize

/ ˈməʊtəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to equip with a motor

2. to provide (military units) with motor vehicles

Other Word Forms

• motorization noun
• nonmotorized adjective
• unmotorized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorize¹

First recorded in 1910–15; motor + -ize

Example Sentences

And there are some worthwhile detours — into the early history of automotive manufacturing, the fascist obsession with fast cars and Hitler’s plans to motorize Germany’s civilians as well as its military.

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Sensory technology could help motorize the prosthesis, allowing for improved gait when running and other improvements.

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“As in, ‘what if we motorize the hurdy gurdy?’ ”

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He wished he could think up a way of motorizing it, fix it up like sort of a four-wheeled motor scooter.

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Related Words

• industrialize