popularize

especially British, pop·u·lar·ise

[pop-yuh-luh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

popularized, popularizing 

1. to make popular.

   to popularize a dance.

popularize

/ ˈpɒpjʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make popular; make attractive to the general public

2. to make or cause to become easily understandable or acceptable

Other Word Forms

• popularization noun
• popularizer noun
• antipopularization adjective
• depopularize verb (used with object)
• repopularization noun
• repopularize verb (used with object)
• semipopularized adjective
• unpopularized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of popularize¹

First recorded in 1585–95; popular + -ize

Example Sentences

The movie helped popularize early reggae worldwide and transformed Mr. Cliff into Jamaica’s first global superstar.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Jimmy Cliff, the legendary musician who helped popularize reggae around the world and paved the way for future stars of the genre such as Bob Marley, has died.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He also brought the efficiency and standardization of factory production to sales, helping to pioneer and popularize many practices that are still common.

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The reversal in fortunes has popularized the notion of a K-shaped economy, in which, like the letter, the upper arm rises while the lower arm droops.

Read more on Barron's

Rastafarians let their hair grow, typically in dreadlocks, as part of their beliefs in the religion which originated in Jamaica and was popularized by the late reggae singer Bob Marley.

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Related Words

• catch on 
• disseminate 
• promote 
• revive 
• simplify