Dictionary

characterize

verb char·ac·ter·ize \ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz, ˈka-rik-\

: to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something)

: to be a typical feature or quality of (someone or something)

char·ac·ter·izedchar·ac·ter·iz·ing

Full Definition of CHARACTERIZE

transitive verb
1
:  to describe the character or quality of <characterizes him as ambitious>
2
:  to be a characteristic of :  distinguish <an era characterized by greed>
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First Known Use of CHARACTERIZE

1633

Rhymes with CHARACTERIZE

accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, externalize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, generalize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize
CHARACTERIZE Defined for Kids

characterize

verb char·ac·ter·ize \ˈker-ək-tə-ˌrīz\
char·ac·ter·izedchar·ac·ter·iz·ing

Definition of CHARACTERIZE for Kids

1
:  to describe the special qualities of <I would characterize this as a positive change.>
2
:  to be a typical or distinguishing quality of <Mystery and intrigue characterize this story.>

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2 ENTRIES FOUND:
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