apostrophize

American  

[uh-pos-truh-fahyz] / əˈpɒs trəˌfaɪz /

especially British, apostrophise

verb (used with object)

apostrophized, apostrophizing

1. to address by apostrophe.

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verb (used without object)

apostrophized, apostrophizing

1. to utter an apostrophe.

apostrophize British  

/ əˈpɒstrəˌfaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) rhetoric to address an apostrophe to

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Other Word Forms

• unapostrophized adjective

Etymology

Origin of apostrophize

First recorded in 1605–15; apostrophe ² + -ize

Example Sentences

Or that the prolix Gaev — a man as likely to apostrophize a piece of furniture as the stars above — keeps promising he’ll be quiet.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2011

So did one medieval minstrel apostrophize his hero, suggesting that a good hunting dog might be a duke's best friend.

From Time Magazine Archive

Thus did Adolf Hitler apostrophize his beloved season, spring.

From Time Magazine Archive

No bright and overwhelming genius appeared in 1947 to light the way and apostrophize the age.

From Time Magazine Archive

After an actor has been beheaded, he has been known to pickup the false head and apostrophize it while making his exit from the stage.

From My Native Land The United States: its Wonders, its Beauties, and its People; with Descriptive Notes, Character Sketches, Folk Lore, Traditions, Legends and History, for the Amusement of the Old and the Instruction of the Young by Cox, James

Related Words

• accost
• buttonhole