unify
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- nonunified adjective
- quasi-unified adjective
- reunify verb (used with object)
- unifiable adjective
- unifier noun
- ununified adjective
Etymology
Origin of unify
First recorded in 1495–1505; from Late Latin ūnificāre, equivalent to Latin ūni- uni- + -ficāre -fy
Explanation
When you bring together unlike elements, you unify them. Political movements can unify people by inspiring them to work towards a shared goal. Likewise, a shared love of a team or band can unify people who otherwise don't have much in common. The verb unify comes from the Latin prefix uni-, “one,” and the root facere, “to make.” When you unify things, you make them one. Often squabbling people just need someone to point out their similarities in order to unify them. If your classmates are sabotaging each other to try to win the “best-decorated locker” award, you might be able to unify their efforts suggesting a “most awesome class” award instead.
Vocabulary lists containing unify
Power Prefix: uni-
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The Catcher in the Rye
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Vocabulary from Donald Trump's Victory Speech, November 9, 2016
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A bout between the two would unify the division, but asked if that fight could be made, Price said "Mayer doesn't want to fight me".
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
OpenAI is planning to unify its ChatGPT app, coding platform Codex and browser into a desktop “superapp,” according to the Wall Street Journal.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026
OpenAI is planning to unify its ChatGPT app, coding platform Codex and browser into a desktop “superapp,” a step to simplify the user experience and continue with efforts to focus on engineering and business customers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
He mentioned the company’s efforts to unify Disney+ and Hulu later this year.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
Most Soviet and American soldiers went home after 1948, and many assumed that Korea would eventually unify under a single government.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
