organize

[ awr-guh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, or·gan·ized, or·gan·iz·ing.

1. to form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action:

   to organize a committee.

   Synonyms: frame, dispose

   Antonyms: destroy

2. to systematize:

   to organize the files of an office.

   Synonyms: order

3. to give organic structure or character to:

   Cells become differentiated and organized into tissues.

4. to enlist or attempt to enlist into a labor union:

   to organize workers.

5. to enlist the employees of (a company) into a labor union; unionize:

   to organize a factory.

6. Informal. to put (oneself ) in a state of mental competence to perform a task:

   We can't have any slip-ups, so you'd better get organized.

verb (used without object)

, or·gan·ized, or·gan·iz·ing.

1. to combine in an organized company, party, or the like.
2. to form a labor union:

   Management resisted all efforts to organize.

3. to assume organic structure.

organize

/ ˈɔːɡəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to form (parts or elements of something) into a structured whole; coordinate
2. tr to arrange methodically or in order
3. tr to provide with an organic structure
4. tr to enlist (the workers) of (a factory, concern, or industry) in a trade union
5. intr to join or form an organization or trade union
6. informal.
   tr to put (oneself) in an alert and responsible frame of mind

Other Words From

• organ·iza·ble adjective
• organ·iza·bili·ty noun
• mis·organ·ize verb misorganized misorganizing
• outorgan·ize verb (used with object) outorganized outorganizing
• pre·organ·ize verb preorganized preorganizing
• un·organ·iza·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of organize¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin organizāre “to contrive, arrange,” equivalent to organ(um) organ + -izāre -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of organize¹

C15: from Medieval Latin organizare, from Latin organum organ

Example Sentences

The Canterbury Tales was, Strohm writes, “one of the volumes around which the new trade would organize itself.”

From The Daily Beast

“The union did not organize any official contingent to participate in the protests,” Kim said.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe we should have this parade as soon as we can organize it.

From The Daily Beast

The prisoners organize themselves through democratically elected representatives of the eight separate prison sections.

From The Daily Beast

Presumably they returned to their hometowns to organize the urban protests.

From The Daily Beast

The House must organize itself at the outset of each session because its members have been elected the preceding November.

From Project Gutenberg

So they talked of newer plans, while Smillie toiled like a giant to educate and organize the miners.

From Project Gutenberg

But they had not yet received power sufficient to fully organize and build up that kingdom on the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

He concealed these military supplies in a "sink," or cave, till he could organize his command.

From Project Gutenberg

He chose Fanti and two others, who did their best in the short time to organize the defence of the city.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• construct
• coordinate
• create
• establish
• form
• formulate
• regulate
• run
• set up