westernize

[ wes-ter-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, west·ern·ized, west·ern·iz·ing.

1. to influence with ideas, customs, practices, etc., characteristic of Europe and North America.

westernize

/ ˈwɛstəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to influence or make familiar with the customs, practices, etc, of the West

Derived Forms

• ˌwesterniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• west·ern·i·za·tion especially British, west·ern·i·sa·tion [wes-ter-nahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• un·west·ern·ized especially British, un·west·ern·ised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of westernize¹

First recorded in 1830–40; western + -ize

Example Sentences

That was particularly strong for Mr. Firoz, who grew up with a westernized outlook in Kabul, then saw the U.S. arrive to liberate his city.

From Washington Times

“For many people, our traditions, including our clothing, have been ‘westernized,’” said Manila, founder of Pride ASIA, ahead of the May 28 event.

From Seattle Times

Of course, veganism and vegetarianism originated long before westernized veganism became popular.

From Salon

“So much of westernized medicine is in the fabric of our communities, our lives, our culture,” he said.

From Seattle Times

“There was nothing wrong with us. They didn’t have to force us to speak Spanish. They didn’t have to try to westernize us.”

From New York Times