gentrify

[ jen-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, gen·tri·fied, gen·tri·fy·ing.

1. to alter (a deteriorated urban neighborhood) through the buying and renovation of houses and stores by upper- or middle-income families or individuals, raising property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses.
2. to conform to an upper- or middle-class lifestyle; make appealing to those with more affluent tastes:

   Fish and chips have been gentrified.

verb (used without object)

, gen·tri·fied, gen·tri·fy·ing.

1. to undergo this type of change:

   Some neighborhoods gentrify more quickly than others.

Other Words From

• gentri·fier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentrify¹

First recorded in 1970–75; gentry + -fy

Example Sentences

“And when you gentrify, you limit the size of the market. China is all about democratizing EVs, and that’s what will ultimately lead Chinese companies to be successful as they go global.”

From Seattle Times

But the company won’t commit to removing Barrington Plaza from the rental market when the renovations are complete, and they may gentrify and then re-rent the units at inflated market prices.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was watching the neighborhood gentrify at the speed of light and I felt like I was watching this neighborhood cannibalize itself. Really, That was the image. I felt like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m watching a community feed on itself.’

From Seattle Times

The historically Black neighborhood has already begun to gentrify and with the impending arrival of the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line, known as the K Line, Walker and Greenfield agreed that it is increasingly important to retain as much of the neighborhood’s history as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our goal is to retrench,” Keith told me, “gentrify with our people.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continue
• extend
• prolong
• reaffirm
• reestablish
• reopen
• repeat
• restate
• restore
• resume
• revive