depersonalize

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪˈpɜːrsənaɪz/

KK: /dɪˈpɜrsənəˌlaɪz/

transitive verb

Definition

To make something less personal or to remove individual characteristics from it.

Example

The company decided to depersonalize its customer service approach to streamline operations.

Tense Forms

Past: depersonalized

Past Participle: depersonalized

Conversation

I feel like big companies often depersonalize their employees.

Yeah, it really makes it hard to connect with coworkers.

Exactly! It's like they want everyone to be just a number.

I totally agree, it would be better if they valued personal identities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

alienate

dehumanize

objectify

Antonyms

personalize

humanize

individualize

Root Explanation

Depersonalize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning removal or reversal) and "personalize" (from "persona" meaning person, and "-ize" meaning to make). The word means to remove the personal aspect or identity from something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'personal' aspect from something — that's what depersonalize means.

Visually Confused Words

repersonalize