popularize

[ pop-yuh-luh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pop·u·lar·ized, pop·u·lar·iz·ing.

1. to make popular:

   to popularize a dance.

popularize

/ ˈpɒpjʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make popular; make attractive to the general public
2. to make or cause to become easily understandable or acceptable

Derived Forms

• ˌpopulariˈzation, noun
• ˈpopularˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• popu·lar·i·zation noun
• popu·lar·izer noun
• anti·popu·lar·i·zation adjective noun
• de·popu·lar·ize verb (used with object) depopularized depopularizing
• repop·u·lar·i·zation noun
• re·popu·lar·ize verb (used with object) repopularized repopularizing
• semi·popu·lar·ized adjective
• un·popu·lar·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of popularize¹

First recorded in 1585–95; popular + -ize

Example Sentences

It's the inverse of the pro-choice slogan "my body, my choice," popularized in protest of Republican efforts to ban abortion and regulate women's healthcare choices.

From Salon

Hence the rise of the defined contribution, popularized by the first Reagan tax cut bill in 1981.

From Salon

The chain, which got its start in Manhattan in 1965, helped popularize the “happy hour” concept and was at its peak a popular spot for celebrations and gatherings.

From Los Angeles Times

Vince Nguyen has dedicated the last few years of his life to popularizing Vietnamese coffee across L.A. and Orange County, and now he’s making it even easier to enjoy at home.

From Los Angeles Times

Negative comments fuel her to keep going, especially as she’s witnessed— and helped — other Southern California contemporaries popularize the genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catch on
• disseminate
• promote
• revive
• simplify