canalize

[ kan-l-ahyz, kuh-nal-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, can·al·ized, can·al·iz·ing.

1. to make a canal or canals through.
2. to convert into a canal.
3. to divide (a stream) into reaches with locks or dams, usually to maintain navigable depths.
4. to divert into certain channels; give a certain direction to or provide a certain outlet for.

canalize

/ ˈkænəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to provide with or convert into a canal or canals
2. to give a particular direction to or provide an outlet for; channel
3. to divide a channel into separate reaches controlled by dams and weirs to aid navigation, control water levels, generate power, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌcanaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• unca·nalized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of canalize¹

First recorded in 1850–55; canal + -ize

Example Sentences

Making music, “you are away, somehow, from real tragedies, but you can canalize everything that you are feeling and suffering from into something that becomes a moment,” Tanja continued.

From New York Times

It’s really a small stream that was canalized by the Victorians, who wanted to get the water off the land as quickly as possible to make every inch available for agriculture.

From National Geographic

“We designed a very good campaign to flush them out and pressure them and canalize them into the chosen engagement areas,” he said.

From Washington Times

Into these cisterns they evidently canalized the rains, which descended by a trough from the hills and of which the supply was undoubtedly scant.

From The New Yorker

The propagandist is a man who canalizes an already existing stream.

From BBC