semanticize

transitive verb

se·​man·​ti·​cize

-ˌsīz

-ed/-ing/-s

1

: to give a meaning to

2

: to subject to semantic analysis

semanticize this difference between knowledge by poetry and knowledge by abstraction out of existence

—Archibald MacLeish

Word History

Etymology

semantic entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!