organize

American  

[awr-guh-nahyz] / ˈɔr gəˌnaɪz /

especially British, organise

verb (used with object)

organized, organizing

1. to form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action.

   to organize a committee.

   Synonyms:

   frame, dispose

   Antonyms:

   destroy

2. to systematize.

   to organize the files of an office.

   Synonyms:

   order

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)

organized, organizing

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.

organize British  

/ ˈɔːɡəˌnaɪz /

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. informal (tr) to put (oneself) in an alert and responsible frame of mind

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Other Word Forms

• misorganize verb
• organizability noun
• organizable adjective
• outorganize verb (used with object)
• preorganize verb
• unorganizable adjective

Etymology

Origin of organize

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin organizāre “to contrive, arrange,” equivalent to organ(um) organ + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

The protests resumed Saturday when campuses reopened at the start of a new term, as activists organized events commemorating fellow students who were killed in the crackdown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Progressives organized to assist the newcomers, but restriction ultimately carried the day when the Immigration Act of 1924 closed the door.

From The Wall Street Journal

Advisers to people considering expat retirements are telling clients to consider the risks of natural and man-made disasters, from political upheaval to organized criminals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once they confirmed the presence of Oseguera, who was wanted for organized crime and weapons possession, they decided to raid the ranch.

From Barron's

Such is the history of organized crime in Mexico, says Manelich Castilla, who served as commissioner of Mexico’s Federal Police.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• construct
• coordinate
• create
• establish
• form
• formulate
• regulate
• run
• set up