Dictionary.com

symbolize

[ sim-buh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsɪm bəˌlaɪz /
See synonyms for: symbolize / symbolizes / symbolizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

to be a symbol of; stand for or represent in the manner of a symbol.
to represent by a symbol or symbols.
to regard or treat as symbolic.

verb (used without object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

to use symbols.

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Also especially British, sym·bol·ise .

Origin of symbolize

From the New Latin word symbolizāre, dating back to 1580–90. See symbol, -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM symbolize

re·sym·bol·ize, verb, re·sym·bol·ized, re·sym·bol·iz·ing.un·sym·bol·ized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to symbolize

exemplify, signify, indicate, suggest, mirror, typify, personify, epitomize, embody, mean, illustrate, connote, express, denote, betoken, show, symbol, body forth, emblematize

Example sentences from the Web for symbolize

British Dictionary definitions for symbolize

symbolize

symbolise

/ (ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to serve as or be a symbol of
(tr usually foll by by) to represent by a symbol or symbols
(intr) to use symbols
(tr) to treat or regard as symbolic or figurative

Derived forms of symbolize

symbolization or symbolisation, noun
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