Italianize

[ ih-tal-yuh-nahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, I·tal·ian·ized, I·tal·ian·iz·ing.

1. to become Italian in manner, character, etc.
2. to speak Italian.

verb (used with object)

, I·tal·ian·ized, I·tal·ian·iz·ing.

1. to make Italian, especially in manner, character, etc.

Italianize

/ ɪˈtæljəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become Italian or like an Italian person or thing

Derived Forms

• Iˌtalianiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• I·talian·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Italianize¹

First recorded in 1605–15; Italian + -ize

Example Sentences

Joan Acocella recounts her ex-husband’s attempts to Italianize their Christmas.

From The New Yorker

It marks the beginning of the “new” city built by the fascist government in the 1920s to Italianize the otherwise Germanic-looking city.

From Seattle Times

An American Army Air Forces lieutenant gallantly saves the day, an opportunity for Tutino to Italianize "The Star Spangled Banner" just as Puccini had in "Madama Butterfly."

From Los Angeles Times

As had those Neapolitan tailors, she managed somehow to take English styles like a Duke jacket, a mackintosh and the convoy or duffel coat made famous by Field Marshal Montgomery and to relax and Italianize them.

From New York Times

But the original sin of his German origin clung to him; he was not a Reisach and could not Italianize himself.

From Project Gutenberg