suburbanize

[ suh-bur-buh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·ur·ban·ized, sub·ur·ban·iz·ing.

1. to give suburban characteristics to:

   to suburbanize a rural area.

suburbanize

/ sʌˈbɜːbəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to make suburban

Other Words From

• sub·urban·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suburbanize¹

First recorded in 1890–95; suburban + -ize

Example Sentences

Any final zoning changes are years away, and there are no immediate plans to suburbanize Avocado Heights and Pellissier Village.

From Los Angeles Times

Traditionally a hub for ranching and farming, Kaufman County has steadily suburbanized, and also encompasses parts of Cedar Creek Lake, a popular fishing and recreation area.

From New York Times

In suburbanized, car-centric parts of the world, including most of the United States, those who cannot drive are often cut off from fully participating in their community.

From Salon

Much of that bounty — from celery to snapdragons — came from the sweeping square miles of what is now the thoroughly suburbanized South Bay and southeast L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

But the spending of newly suburbanized workers may be different, including fewer lunches and happy hours than when they worked downtown.

From New York Times