visualize

[ vizh-oo-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, vis·u·al·ized, vis·u·al·iz·ing.

1. to recall or form mental images or pictures.

verb (used with object)

, vis·u·al·ized, vis·u·al·iz·ing.

1. to make visual or visible.
2. to form a mental image of.
3. to make perceptible to the mind or imagination.

visualize

/ ˈvɪʒʊəˌlaɪz; -zjʊ- /

verb

1. to form a mental image of (something incapable of being viewed or not at that moment visible)
2. med to view by means of an X-ray the outline of (a bodily organ, structure, or part)

Derived Forms

• ˈvisualˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• visu·al·iza·ble adjective
• visu·al·i·zation noun
• visu·al·izer visu·al·ist noun
• non·visu·al·ized adjective
• revis·u·al·i·zation noun
• re·visu·al·ize verb revisualized revisualizing
• un·visu·al·ized adjective
• well-visu·al·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visualize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; visual + -ize

Example Sentences

They are not a byproduct of climate change, but they can help people visualize what rising sea waters would look like in their communities, the California Coastal Commission said.

From Los Angeles Times

Would things have been different if I'd visualized being at Cannes myself, getting offers of tens of thousands, seeing the number a million in my bank account?

From Salon

Even as they doused each other in champagne and beer Sunday night, the Dodger players were happy to visualize a parade but careful not to count on one.

From Los Angeles Times

Whenever those doubts come in, I visualize myself having success over and over again.

From Los Angeles Times

“You’ve got to have the right mindset, the right mentality, to come in here and just find a way to dominate the day,” he said, noting that he visualizes postseason success.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anticipate
• dream up
• envision