urbanize

[ ur-buh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ur·ban·ized, ur·ban·iz·ing.

1. to make or cause to become urban, as a locality.

urbanize

/ ˈɜːbəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. usually passive
   1. to make (esp a predominantly rural area or country) more industrialized and urban
   2. to cause the migration of an increasing proportion of (rural dwellers) into cities

Derived Forms

• ˌurbaniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• urban·i·zation noun
• non·urban·ized adjective
• over·urban·ize verb overurbanized overurbanizing
• un·urban·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of urbanize¹

First recorded in 1635–45; urban + -ize

Example Sentences

The residents of this new California were urbanized people who probably felt more threatened by bug spray than by the more abstract prospect of the state’s $14-billion annual ag business being laid waste by Medflies.

From Los Angeles Times

Many cities have pushed back, arguing that so many more homes will more rapidly urbanize their suburban communities.

From Los Angeles Times

“These failing sites are located within urbanized areas of the watershed, likely reflecting higher bacteria levels from various sources such as animal waste and human activities,” the report states.

From Los Angeles Times

Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey and Lakeshore Park in San Mateo are both enclosed by urbanized channels and harbors, which reduces water flow and allows bacteria to linger.

From Los Angeles Times

Those 30 million acres don't include urbanized land, which Lark says is unlikely to ever return to cultivation.

From Science Daily