winterize

[ win-tuh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, win·ter·ized, win·ter·iz·ing.

1. to prepare (an automobile, house, etc.) for cold weather by (in automobiles) adding antifreeze and changing oil or (in houses) adding insulation, heating units, etc.

verb (used without object)

, win·ter·ized, win·ter·iz·ing.

1. to winterize an automobile, house, etc.

winterize

/ ˈwɪntəˌraɪz /

verb

1. tr to prepare (a house, car, etc) to withstand winter conditions

Derived Forms

• ˌwinteriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• winter·i·zation noun
• winter·izer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of winterize¹

First recorded in 1925–30; winter + -ize

Example Sentences

In 1989, punishing cold weather that caused power failures across the state led to a federal study that spelled out how to avoid such a disaster in the future by winterizing equipment the way more northern power companies do.

From Washington Post

Paying to winterize the equipment needed to keep power plants running has been one of the casualties.

From Washington Post

Not paying to winterize may have proved to be a costly mistake, he suggested.

From Washington Post

Each grant recipient will receive $6,000 to winterize their patios and outdoor dining areas.

From Washington Blade

For example, an instructional article on how to winterize a sprinkler system is less likely to contain different information year-to-year.

From Search Engine Land