anthropomorphize

verb

an·thro·po·mor·phize ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfīz

anthropomorphized; anthropomorphizing

transitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to

intransitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to things not human

anthropomorphization

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌmȯr-fə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Examples of anthropomorphize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Do not inadvertently anthropomorphize AI due to this analogous consideration. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Some believe that this is an outrageous and flagrant form of anthropomorphizing AI. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 Movies tend to anthropomorphize their dogs by projecting recognizably human qualities onto them, but Bob Peterson and Pete Docter’s script embraces the less bestial parts of being an animal. —

Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2024 Inside Out was an instant Pixar classic upon its release in 2015; the brilliant idea to anthropomorphize the confusing, warring emotions in the brain of a young girl made other recent Pixar efforts feel weightless by comparison. —

Ben Rosenstock, TIME, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for anthropomorphize

Word History

Etymology

anthropomorph(ic) or anthropomorph(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthropomorphize was in 1825

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Anthropomorphize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphize. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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