Dictionary
characterize
verb char·ac·ter·ize \ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz, ˈka-rik-\
: to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something)
: to be a typical feature or quality of (someone or something)
char·ac·ter·izedchar·ac·ter·iz·ing
Full Definition of CHARACTERIZE
transitive verb
1
: to describe the character or quality of <characterizes him as ambitious>
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish <an era characterized by greed>
See characterize defined for English-language learners
See characterize defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of CHARACTERIZE
1633
Rhymes with CHARACTERIZE
accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, externalize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, generalize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize
CHARACTERIZING Defined for Kids
characterize
verb char·ac·ter·ize \ˈker-ək-tə-ˌrīz\
char·ac·ter·izedchar·ac·ter·iz·ing
Definition of CHARACTERIZE for Kids
1
: to describe the special qualities of <I would characterize this as a positive change.>
2
: to be a typical or distinguishing quality of <Mystery and intrigue characterize this story.>
Learn More About CHARACTERIZE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: character loanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: characterizationAll Words Near: characterize
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up characterize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).