symbolization

[ sim-buh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of symbolizing.
2. Psychoanalysis. an unconscious mental process whereby one object or idea comes to stand for another through some part, quality, or aspect that the two share in common, with the symbol carrying the emotional feelings vested in the initial object or idea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolization¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; symbolize + -ation

Example Sentences

The early stages of Stanton’s model include “classification” and “symbolization.”

From Salon

“And I think that’s a very very important symbolization of the growing rapport between the two countries.”

From Washington Times

I took only the elements of reality that could serve my purposes of symbolization.

From Salon

From this Jungian perspective, video games are not only propaganda created by a sexist industry, but also a narrative symbolization of each player’s psychological constitution.

From Forbes

According to the early Christian symbolization, the ship denoted the Church.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• connotation
• content
• context
• definition
• effect
• essence
• explanation
• hint
• implication
• interpretation
• nuance
• sense
• significance
• spirit
• subject
• substance
• understanding
• value