ironize

[ ahy-er-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, i·ron·ized, i·ron·iz·ing.

1. to make ironical.
2. to add iron (to a substance).

verb (used without object)

, i·ron·ized, i·ron·iz·ing.

1. to use irony or speak ironically.

ironize

/ ˈaɪrəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. intr to use or indulge in irony
2. tr to make ironic or use ironically

Derived Forms

• ˈironist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironize¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Greek eirōnízesthai “to pretend ignorance, dissemble, understate; treat with sarcasm”; irony ¹( def ), -ize ( def )

Example Sentences

Ironize forms — such as the oral history or the rockumentary — that have ossified?

From Washington Post

You can’t ironize something you fundamentally don’t believe in.

From Washington Post

“Tormund doesn’t ironize. For him, she’s perfect because in the North, women should be the warriors, you know? That’s a value in the North to be strong and tall and skillful with the sword. So even though it’s been a joke, Tormund’s love has always been real.”

From Salon

My self-deprecating commentary—“nothing more embarrassing than being complimented on your Twitter thread”—never quite manages to ironize itself out of what it is: a plea for attention among infinite other pleas for attention.

From The Verge

Looking back at the film’s influence, A. O. Scott said, “The charms of this movie are abundant: It has whimsical production design, clever and sharp writing, tender comical performances, a brilliant use of pop music to underscore and slightly ironize the emotions being expressed on the screen.”

From New York Times