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

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

To describe the appeal of the show, Jay asks me to visualize a stereotypical theme park advertisement — say of a known character holding the hand of a young child.

From Los Angeles Times

When you read a script, you visualize what it will look like, how it will play out and how it will feel.

From Salon

Related Words

• anticipate
• dream up
• envision