Latinize

[ lat-n-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.

1. to cause to conform to the customs, traditions, beliefs, etc., of the Latins or the Latin Church.
2. to intermix with Latin elements.
3. to translate into Latin.
4. to make Latin American in character:

   The influx of Cuban immigrants has Latinized Miami.

5. Romanize ( def 3 ).

verb (used without object)

, Lat·in·ized, Lat·in·iz·ing.

1. to use words and phrases from Latin:

   He Latinizes in his poetry.

Latinize

/ ˈlætɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to translate into Latin or Latinisms
2. to transliterate into the Latin alphabet
3. to cause to acquire Latin style or customs
4. to bring Roman Catholic influence to bear upon (the form of religious ceremonies, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˌLatiniˈzation, noun
• ˈLatinˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• Latin·i·zation noun
• de-Latin·i·zation noun
• half-Latin·ized adjective
• un-Latin·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Latinize¹

First recorded in 1580–90; < Late Latin latīnīzāre “to translate into Latin”; Latin, -ize

Example Sentences

If you think that Roman religion was essentially Greek mythology with Latinized names, think again.

From New York Times

Michael Pauw of Amsterdam acquired this land in 1630 and called it “Pavonia,” or “Land of the Peacock” which he derived by Latinizing his own name.

From Washington Post

So, existing names would be condensed to either a single, potentially Latinized, word, or a number or letter.

From Nature

It’s a Latinized name for the hero, Odysseus, in the Homeric epic The Odyssey.

From The Guardian

But if we go down south, then we run into people who are Latinized indigenous people.

From Salon