normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized; normalizing; normalizes

transitive verb

1

: to make (something) conform to or reduce (something) to a norm or standard

… a standard written language that by 1776 had become normalized in grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.

—E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

2

mathematics : to make (something) normal (as by a transformation of variables)

3

: to bring or restore to a normal condition

normalize relations between two countries

… soluble fibers that help to normalize blood sugar.

—Jane E. Brody

4

: to allow or encourage (something considered extreme or taboo) to become viewed as normal

Let's normalize real talk around mental health.

—Cynthia Fowler

… helping to normalize bullying and negative behaviors as acceptable forms of interaction …

—Helena Duch

Mothers around the world are still fighting to normalize breastfeeding in public.

—Angela Andaloro

normalizable

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• formalize
• homogenize
• regularize
• standardize

Examples of normalize in a Sentence

The drug normalizes heart function.

The talks are aimed at normalizing relations between the countries.

It took years for the political situation in the country to normalize.

Recent Examples on the Web

These experiences normalize the transition and offer fresh insights into how to approach new challenges. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Why Trump's Middle East Accords Are Surviving Gaza War By Joseph Epstein Analyst 0 One of President-elect Donald Trump's greatest foreign policy achievements was the 2020 signing of the Abraham Accords, in which four Arab states agreed to normalize ties with Israel. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Only weeks before, as Arab states were moving to normalize ties with Syria and calls were growing in Washington to lift sanctions on the Assad regime, Turkey and Qatar were the last two countries supporting the Syrian opposition. —Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Dec. 2024

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said this is a sign that gas prices are normalizing after the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. —Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

normalize

verb

nor·​mal·​ize ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized; normalizing

: to make normal or average

normalization

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

normalize

transitive verb

nor·​mal·​ize

variants or British normalise

ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

normalized or British normalised; normalizing or British normalising

: to make conform to or reduce to a norm or standard

normalize blood pressure

normalization noun

or British normalisation

ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən