symbolize

[sim-buh-lahyz]

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.

Also especially British, sym·bol·ise.

Origin of symbolize

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

Related formsre·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. 2019

Examples from the Web for symbolises

Historical Examples of symbolises

Claude had quite a liking for manure, since it symbolises the world and its life.
The Fat and the Thin
Emile Zola
This symbolises the miraculous relighting of the taper after the devil had extinguished it.
The Story of Paris
Thomas Okey
How perfectly the type, in this respect, then, symbolises sin!
The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Leviticus
S H Kellogg
But I know that this is a form which pleases thee, which symbolises thy nobleness!
Hypatia
Charles Kingsley
For the eastern poet he symbolises strength, grace and symmetry.
Vidyapati Bangiya Padabali
Vidyapati Thakura

British Dictionary definitions for symbolises

symbolize

symbolise

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 Formssymbolization 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

Word Origin and History for symbolises

symbolize

c.1600, "to represent by a symbol," also "to be a symbol of," from French symboliser, from Modern Latin symbolizare, from symbolum (see symbol). Related: Symbolized; symbolizes; symbolizing.