winterize

[win-tuh-rahyz]

verb (used with object), win·ter·ized, win·ter·iz·ing.

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.

to winterize an automobile, house, etc.

Also especially British, win·ter·ise.

Origin of winterize

First recorded in 1925–30; winter + -ize

Related formswin·ter·i·za·tion, nounwin·ter·iz·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for winterize

winterize

winterise

verb

(tr) US and Canadian to prepare (a house, car, etc) to withstand winter conditions

Derived Formswinterization or winterisation, 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 winterize

1938, on model of earlier summerize (1935); from winter (n.) + -ize. Related: Winterized; winterizing.