canalize

American  

[kan-l-ahyz, kuh-nal-ahyz] / ˈkæn lˌaɪz, kəˈnæl aɪz /

especially British, canalise

verb (used with object)

canalized, canalizing

1. to make a canal or canals through.

2. to convert into a canal.

3. to divide (a stream) into reaches with locks or dams, usually to maintain navigable depths.

4. to divert into certain channels; give a certain direction to or provide a certain outlet for.

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canalize British  

/ ˈkænəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to provide with or convert into a canal or canals

2. to give a particular direction to or provide an outlet for; channel

3. to divide a channel into separate reaches controlled by dams and weirs to aid navigation, control water levels, generate power, etc

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Other Word Forms

• canalization noun
• uncanalized adjective

Etymology

Origin of canalize

First recorded in 1850–55; canal + -ize

Example Sentences

Making music, “you are away, somehow, from real tragedies, but you can canalize everything that you are feeling and suffering from into something that becomes a moment,” Tanja continued.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2023

Some became conscious of the role a state could play in intervening in the economy in order to curb and canalize democracy.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2017

To have peace, the nations must forgo the urge to canalize to fixed ends the productive energies of private citizens.

From Time Magazine Archive

The modern movement is a conscious effort to direct and canalize the stupendous energy of modern civilization between its proper architectural embankments.

From Time Magazine Archive

Craft can harness this sort of explosive force, it can control it, or persuade it, or canalize it to certain issues, but it cannot create it.

From First and Last by Belloc, Hilaire