autonomize

transitive verb

au·​ton·​o·​mize ȯ-ˈtä-nə-ˌmīz 

variants also British autonomise

autonomized; autonomizing; autonomizes

: to make (something) autonomous

… over time some systems of rules become autonomized as legal systems.

—Michael Kaern et al., Georg Simmell and Contemporary Sociology, 1990

… the present regime has deregulated and autonomized the financial institutions which is a hallmark towards economic revival.

—Pakistan Newswire, 10 Apr. 2002

autonomization noun

also British autonomisation

ȯ-ˌtä-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌmī-ˈzā-

The autonomization of the economy is a moral problem, as is the autonomization of morality.

—Peter Koslowski, Ethics of Capitalism, 1996

Word History

Etymology

autonom(ous) + -ize (perhaps after French autonomiser)

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now