familiarize

[ fuh-mil-yuh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.

1. to make (onself or another person) well-acquainted or conversant with something.

   Synonyms: acquaint, accustom

2. to make (something) well-known; bring into common knowledge or use.
3. Archaic. to make familiar; establish (a person) in friendly intimacy.

verb (used without object)

, fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.

1. Archaic. to associate in a familiar way.

familiarize

/ fəˈmɪljəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject
2. to make (something) generally known or accepted

Derived Forms

• faˌmiliariˈzation, noun
• faˈmiliarˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• fa·miliar·i·zation noun
• fa·miliar·izer noun
• refa·miliar·i·zation noun
• refa·miliar·ize verb (used with object) refamiliarized refamiliarizing
• unfa·miliar·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of familiarize¹

First recorded in 1600–10; familiar + -ize

Example Sentences

Before you get too deep into the negotiation process, familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, to ensure creditors are not using illegal tactics, and read up on the statute of limitations on your debt.

From Slate

In larger cities, it’s easy to get around using public transport and taxis, but if you plan on driving while you’re abroad, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.

From Seattle Times

No missile was to be fired as the goal was only to familiarize military participants with the hi-tech weaponry in a tropical setting.

From Seattle Times

The franchise has given its die-hards lots of new names to learn and personalities to familiarize themselves with.

From Seattle Times

Today, we constantly find ourselves cooing at the pictures from that day as a way to familiarize our toddler son with our closest friends and family members, and to reminisce about some of the delightful surprises, like my uncle and aunt from Colorado—who I’ve seen in person only a handful of times—showing up in spite of my father’s insistence that they likely wouldn’t want to come.

From Slate

Related Words

• enlighten
• naturalize