genericization

American  

[juh-ner-i-sahy-zey-shuhn] / dʒəˌnɛr ɪ saɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the process in which a trademark or proprietary name becomes widely perceived as a common noun or verb describing the type of product or service, often losing brand recognition as a consequence.

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Other Word Forms

• genericize verb

Etymology

Origin of genericization

First recorded in 1965–70; generic ( def. ) + -ization ( def. )

Example Sentences

The genericization of urban settings also relates to our increasing reliance on digital technologies and information to medi­ate our relationship with the built environment.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2015

And of course, trademark violations are much harder to verify than copyright violations, since they often hinge on complex, fact-intensive components like tarnishment, dilution and genericization.

From Forbes • Jan. 27, 2012