Definition

To make something seem strange or unfamiliar, often to help people see it in a new way.

Example

The artist aimed to defamiliarize everyday objects to encourage viewers to think differently about them.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I just read a book that really helped me defamiliarize my perspective on everyday life.

That sounds interesting! How did it do that?

It presented common situations in such a strange way that I saw them differently.

I love when books do that; it makes you think outside the box!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defamiliarize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "familiaris" (from Latin, meaning belonging to a family or familiar). The word means to make something unfamiliar or to remove the familiar aspect from it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing familiarity' — 'de-' means away, and 'familiaris' relates to family or familiarity.

Visually Confused Words