humanize

[ hyoo-muh-nahyzor, often, yoo- ]

verb (used with object)

, hu·man·ized, hu·man·iz·ing.

1. to make humane, kind, or gentle.
2. to make human.

verb (used without object)

, hu·man·ized, hu·man·iz·ing.

1. to become human or humane.

humanize

/ ˈhjuːməˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become human
2. to make or become humane

Derived Forms

• ˈhumanˌizer, noun
• ˌhumaniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• human·i·zation noun
• human·izer noun
• non·human·ized adjective
• over·human·ize verb overhumanized overhumanizing
• rehu·man·i·zation noun
• re·human·ize verb rehumanized rehumanizing
• semi·human·ized adjective
• super·human·ize verb (used with object) superhumanized superhumanizing
• un·human·ize verb (used with object) unhumanized unhumanizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanize¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; human + -ize

Example Sentences

Ultimately, the documentary humanizes someone often viewed as an avatar of unattainable perfection.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the writing chooses to humanize her as the young person she is — the young person she really hasn't been able to be through her grief.

From Salon

Her manipulations are supposed to make the audience sympathize with Arthur's pain and humanize him.

From Salon

However, his project aims to humanize an issue that can get overgeneralized in political rhetoric.

From Salon

When abortion came up, Vance tried to put a humanizing spin on his anti-choice views by invoking a friend who used abortion to escape an abusive relationship.

From Salon

Related Words

• civilize
• tame