indigenize

[ in-dij-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·dig·e·nized, in·dig·e·niz·ing.

1. to make indigenous.
2. to increase local participation in or ownership of:

   to indigenize foreign-owned companies.

3. to adapt (beliefs, customs, etc.) to local ways.

Other Words From

• in·dige·ni·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigenize¹

First recorded in 1950–55; indigen(ous) + -ize

Example Sentences

State-backed researchers also identified digital payments as particularly vulnerable to possible Western hacking, according to a review of their work, making a push to indigenize such technology likely.

From Reuters

“I’ve got seven family members who expect a check when I get home. I can’t stand on the side of the road and Indigenize.”

From New York Times

“Indigenous activists say we’ve got to Indigenize and take over these showcases,” Anderson said, with an ever so slight roll of the eyes.

From New York Times

“We’re trying to indigenize this field,” Sweet said, adding that it’s “not about putting Native people under a microscope, but educating people by working toward goals like upholding sovereignty.”

From New York Times

“We’re trying to indigenize this field,” Sweet said, adding that it’s “not about putting Native people under a microscope, but educating people by working toward goals like upholding sovereignty.”

From New York Times