Americanization

American  

[uh-mer-i-kuh-nahy-zey-shuhn, -ni-zey-] / əˌmɛr ɪ kə naɪˈzeɪ ʃən, -nɪˈzeɪ- /

especially British, Americanisation

noun

1. the act or process of conforming, or making something conform, to the values, customs, and institutions of the United States.

   Our organization demonstrates a dynamic, respectful approach to international aid—one that doesn't attempt an Americanization of a foreign people.

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Other Word Forms

• de-Americanization noun

Etymology

Origin of Americanization

Americaniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Russians were annoyed that the subject was Ukraine; the Ukrainians were offended by Copland’s Americanization of their folk music and by Ira Gershwin’s lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025

At a time when postwar Japan was rebuilding itself and sensitive to Americanization, confronting Westernization with Japanese tradition was a form of cultural resistance.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2022

Intimidated by the specter of Americanization, most French bakers raised the tattered white flag of surrender and lowered the doughy white flag of artisanal standards.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022

For “The Shadow of Your Smile,” he went first to Mercer, with whom he had written “Emily” from “The Americanization of Emily.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2020

It even hosted an Americanization class, helping foreign employees prepare for the citizenship test.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly