mechanize

[ mek-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mech·a·nized, mech·a·niz·ing.

1. to make mechanical.
2. to operate or perform by or as if by machinery.
3. to introduce machinery into (an industry, enterprise, etc.), especially in order to replace manual labor.
4. Military. to equip with tanks and other armored vehicles.

mechanize

/ ˈmɛkəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to equip (a factory, industry, etc) with machinery
2. to make mechanical, automatic, or monotonous
3. to equip (an army, etc) with motorized or armoured vehicles

Derived Forms

• ˈmechaˌnizer, noun
• ˌmechaniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mech·a·ni·za·tion [mek-, uh, -nahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• mech·a·niz·er noun
• un·mech·a·nized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mechanize¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; mechan(ic) + -ize

Example Sentences

The car’s tire left a black tread-mark line recording mechanized urban movement, while Aguiñiga’s linear, ladder-like print charts a continuous, age-old human passage that cannot be stopped by artificially drawn political boundaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents have struggled with high inflation, job losses as agricultural work becomes more mechanized, and a lack of child care and affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times

Both the parents and children who were interviewed believed the smaller size and less mechanized nature of their farms made them safer.

From Salon

A dispute between local landowners and a nearby gold mine, plus the sensitivities of grieving villagers, are also obstacles to the mechanized removal of a huge quantity of debris.

From Seattle Times

A would-be arsonist explains himself — his motive: boredom — as slashing guitars scrape against the mechanized thump of a Roland drum machine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• industrialize
• motorize