naturalize

[ nach-er-uh-lahyz, nach-ruh- ]

verb (used with object)

, nat·u·ral·ized, nat·u·ral·iz·ing.

1. to confer upon (an alien) the rights and privileges of a citizen.
2. to introduce (organisms) into a region and cause them to flourish as if native.
3. to introduce or adopt (foreign practices, words, etc.) into a country or into general use:

   to naturalize a French phrase.

4. to bring into conformity with nature.
5. to regard or explain as natural rather than supernatural:

   to naturalize miracles.

6. to adapt or accustom to a place or to new surroundings.

verb (used without object)

, nat·u·ral·ized, nat·u·ral·iz·ing.

1. to become naturalized.
2. to adapt as if native to a new environment, set of circumstances, etc.
3. to study or carry on research in natural history.

naturalize

/ -tʃərə-; ˈnætʃrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to give citizenship to (a person of foreign birth)
2. to be or cause to be adopted in another place, as a word, custom, etc
3. tr to introduce (a plant or animal from another region) and cause it to adapt to local conditions
4. intr (of a plant or animal) to adapt successfully to a foreign environment and spread there
5. tr to explain (something unusual) with reference to nature, excluding the supernatural
6. tr to make natural or more lifelike

naturalize

/ năch′ər-ə-līz′ /

1. To establish a nonnative species in a region where it is able to reproduce successfully and live alongside native species in the wild. Naturalized species may be introduced intentionally or unintentionally. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia but have become naturalized in many other parts of the world.

Derived Forms

• ˌnaturaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• natu·ral·i·zation noun
• natu·ral·izer noun
• un·natu·ral·ize verb (used with object) unnaturalized unnaturalizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of naturalize¹

First recorded in 1585–95; natural + -ize

Example Sentences

It may also reflect how naturalized voters view citizenship, an often years-long and expensive lawful status to obtain.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the flagged registered voters turned out to be naturalized citizens whom the state incorrectly identified as ineligible because it was using outdated DPS data from driver’s license and state identification card applications.

From Salon

But it is typical for citizenship applications to spike during election years, and California is home to the largest number of lawful permanent residents who are eligible to become naturalized citizens.

From Los Angeles Times

Lin, who was born in China, is a naturalized American citizen.

From Los Angeles Times

That behavior can have "a huge chilling effect, particularly on naturalized citizens, who are often the ones targeted by these efforts," Diaz added.

From Salon

Related Words

• familiarize