anthropomorphize

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fahyz ]

verb (used with or without object)

, an·thro·po·mor·phized, an·thro·po·mor·phiz·ing.

1. to ascribe human form or attributes to (an animal, plant, material object, etc.).

anthropomorphize

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaɪz /

verb

1. to attribute or ascribe human form or behaviour to (a god, animal, object, etc)

Other Words From

• anthro·po·morphi·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropomorphize¹

First recorded in 1835–45; anthropomorph(ic) ( def ) + -ize

Example Sentences

After all, we tend to anthropomorphize—think that nonhuman systems will behave in ways identical to humans.

From Singularity Hub 

Humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize non-human things, from animals to inanimate objects to robots and computers.

From Singularity Hub 

That I am prone to anthropomorphizing trees and seeds and Neanderthals.

From Nautilus

Among the many frisky entries are pictures of anthropomorphized creatures both natural and mythological.

From Washington Post

The same tendency to anthropomorphize helps sell everything from doggie sweaters to… catered birthday bashes.

From The Daily Beast

Even when you worship a beast or a stone, you practically anthropomorphize it.

From Project Gutenberg