familiarize

[ fuh-mil-yuh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.

1. to make (onself or another person) well-acquainted or conversant with something.

   Synonyms: acquaint, accustom

2. to make (something) well-known; bring into common knowledge or use.
3. Archaic. to make familiar; establish (a person) in friendly intimacy.

verb (used without object)

, fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing.

1. Archaic. to associate in a familiar way.

familiarize

/ fəˈmɪljəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject
2. to make (something) generally known or accepted

Derived Forms

• faˌmiliariˈzation, noun
• faˈmiliarˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• fa·miliar·i·zation noun
• fa·miliar·izer noun
• refa·miliar·i·zation noun
• refa·miliar·ize verb (used with object) refamiliarized refamiliarizing
• unfa·miliar·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of familiarize¹

First recorded in 1600–10; familiar + -ize

Example Sentences

Other women might think they are experiencing prolapse when they are really just noticing parts of their anatomy that were always there, but they hadn’t familiarized themselves with.

From Salon

In larger cities, it’s easy to get around using public transport and taxis, but if you plan on driving while you’re abroad, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.

From Seattle Times

No missile was to be fired as the goal was only to familiarize military participants with the hi-tech weaponry in a tropical setting.

From Seattle Times

The franchise has given its die-hards lots of new names to learn and personalities to familiarize themselves with.

From Seattle Times

It pays to familiarize yourself with the local policies and protocols ahead of time.

From New York Times

Related Words

• enlighten
• naturalize