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organize

[awr-guh-nahyz]
verb (used with object), or·gan·ized, or·gan·iz·ing.
  1. to form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action: to organize a committee.
  2. to systematize: to organize the files of an office.
  3. to give organic structure or character to: Cells become differentiated and organized into tissues.
  4. to enlist or attempt to enlist into a labor union: to organize workers.
  5. to enlist the employees of (a company) into a labor union; unionize: to organize a factory.
  6. Informal. to put (oneself) in a state of mental competence to perform a task: We can't have any slip-ups, so you'd better get organized.
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verb (used without object), or·gan·ized, or·gan·iz·ing.
  1. to combine in an organized company, party, or the like.
  2. to form a labor union: Management resisted all efforts to organize.
  3. to assume organic structure.
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Also especially British, or·gan·ise.

Origin of organize

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin organizāre to contrive, arrange, equivalent to organ(um) organ + -izāre -ize
Related formsor·gan·iz·a·ble, adjectiveor·gan·iz·a·bil·i·ty, nounmis·or·gan·ize, verb, mis·or·gan·ized, mis·or·gan·iz·ing.out·or·gan·ize, verb (used with object), out·or·gan·ized, out·or·gan·iz·ing.pre·or·gan·ize, verb, pre·or·gan·ized, pre·or·gan·iz·ing.un·or·gan·iz·a·ble, adjective

Synonyms

1. dispose, frame. 2. order.

Antonyms

1. destroy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for organise

Historical Examples

  • They had the rudiments of institutions, which they trusted her to organise.

    The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI

    Thomas W. (Thomas William) Allies

  • Mahomet's first care on reaching Medina was to organise the service of the faith.

    History of Religion

    Allan Menzies

  • "If that's the case, they may organise around here," said Ralph.

    For the Liberty of Texas

    Edward Stratemeyer

  • "We must organise, and without further delay," said one of the leaders.

    For the Liberty of Texas

    Edward Stratemeyer

  • What was more, they had had time to organise what was deemed a suitable reception.

British Dictionary definitions for organise

organize

organise

verb
  1. to form (parts or elements of something) into a structured whole; coordinate
  2. (tr) to arrange methodically or in order
  3. (tr) to provide with an organic structure
  4. (tr) to enlist (the workers) of (a factory, concern, or industry) in a trade union
  5. (intr) to join or form an organization or trade union
  6. (tr) informal to put (oneself) in an alert and responsible frame of mind
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Word Origin

C15: from Medieval Latin organizare, from Latin organum organ
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

Word Origin and History for organise

organize

v.

early 15c., "construct, establish," from Middle French organiser and directly from Medieval Latin organizare, from Latin organum "instrument, organ" (see organ). Related: Organized; organizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
organise in Medicine

organize

(ôr′gə-nīz′)
v.
  1. To put together into an orderly, functional, structured whole.
  2. To arrange in a coherent form.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.