Definition

To make someone or something behave like an animal or to represent them as an animal.

Example

The artist decided to animalize the characters in her painting to emphasize their wild nature.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen that artist who animalizes their paintings?

Yeah, I think it’s so interesting how they make people look like animals.

Right? It really changes the way you see their personality.

Exactly! It’s like they’re tapping into a more instinctual side.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Animalize → It is formed from "animal" (from Latin "animalis", meaning having breath or life) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "animalize" means to make something animal-like or to imbue with animal characteristics.

Memory Tip

Think of 'animal' which refers to living creatures, and '-ize' means to make. So, to animalize something means to make it more like an animal.

Visually Confused Words