symbolize

[ sim-buh-lahyz ]
See synonyms for: symbolizesymbolizedsymbolizessymbolizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.
  1. to be a symbol of; stand for or represent in the manner of a symbol.

  2. to represent by a symbol or symbols.

  1. to regard or treat as symbolic.

verb (used without object),sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.
  1. to use symbols.

Origin of symbolize

1
From the New Latin word symbolizāre, dating back to 1580–90. See symbol, -ize
  • Also especially British, sym·bol·ise .

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. 2024

How to use symbolize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for symbolize

symbolize

symbolise

/ (ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz) /


verb
  1. (tr) to serve as or be a symbol of

  2. (tr usually foll by by) to represent by a symbol or symbols

  1. (intr) to use symbols

  2. (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