normalize

American  

[nawr-muh-lahyz] / ˈnɔr məˌlaɪz /

especially British, normalise

verb (used with object)

normalized, normalizing

1. to make normal.

   Traditional Chinese medicine uses ginseng to normalize blood pressure.

2. to cause (something previously considered abnormal or unacceptable) to be treated as normal.

   I have to resist the impulse to normalize her eccentricities.

3. to establish or resume (relations) in a normal manner, as between countries.

4. Statistics. to mathematically transform or adjust (the values in a data set) so that they fit a standard measure or scale, such as by making all the values fall between 0 and 1.

   Data was normalized before analysis.

5. Metallurgy. to heat (a steel alloy) to a suitable temperature above the transformation range and then cool it in still air at ambient temperature.

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verb (used without object)

normalized, normalizing

1. to become normal; resume a normal state.

   Prices soon normalized after the war.

normalize British  

/ ˈnɔːməˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to bring or make into the normal state

2. to bring into conformity with a standard

3. to heat (steel) above a critical temperature and allow it to cool in air to relieve internal stresses; anneal

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Other Word Forms

• denormalization noun
• normalization noun
• overnormalization noun
• overnormalize verb (used with object)
• renormalization noun
• renormalize verb (used with object)
• unnormalized adjective
• unnormalizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of normalize

First recorded in 1860–65; normal + -ize

Explanation

If it's out of whack, totally crazy and absolutely bizarre, it should probably be normalized, or put back into a normal state. Something that's been normalized has been put back to normal, whether you're talking about the weather pattern or your sleep habits. Someone who likes to keep things in order is probably a fan of the word normalize. Stock brokers, for example, hate it when the stock market takes them on a wild, unpredictable ride; they'd much rather have things normalize and settle down.

Example Sentences

Specialists say it will take months before global supplies start to normalize.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Rodríguez, 56, praised the decision as “a significant step in the right direction” to normalize relations with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

If and when a ceasefire is finalized, one of the biggest factors for investors will be how quickly oil prices will normalize.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

In fact, about one in four people participating in lifestyle programs were able to normalize their blood sugar without losing weight.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

Modern Spiritualism helped normalize female leadership—advancing the public power and wisdom of women’s voices.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• assign
• conduct
• distribute
• establish
• file
• place
• plan