empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy

empathized with his son's fears

empathizer

ˈem-pə-ˌthī-zər 

noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teens can also learn social skills—how to make small talk, resolve arguments, empathize across differences—in all kinds of platonic relationships. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025

Marketers are not empathizing with this audience—or, more accurately, audiences. —Tim Wragg, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

And the theater folks’ transition from seeking narrative-changing press to empathizing with Emma’s plight are lovely and hopeful. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025

As for whether Dana can go so far as to empathize with her attacker, given that inefficiency, LaNasa isn’t sure. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb

em·​pa·​thize

variants or British empathise

ˈem-pə-ˌthīz 

empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising

: to experience empathy

adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations