slavicize

transitive verb

slav·​i·​cize

ˈslavəˌsīz,

-läv-,

-lȧv-

variants or slavize

-läˌvīz,

-laˌv-,

-lȧˌv-

or less commonly slavonize

-lavəˌnīz

or slavonicize

sləˈvänəˌsīz,

slaˈv-

-ed/-ing/-s

often capitalized

1

: to make Slavic in quality or characteristics : cause to become adapted to Slavism

a slavicized German

the region was slavicized within a few centuries

2

: to adapt to Slavic usage : alter to a characteristically Slavic form

Word History

Etymology

slavicize from Slavic entry 1 + -ize; slavize from slav + -ize; slavonize from obsolete English slavon slavonian (from Medieval Latin Slavonia land of the Slavs) + English -ize; slavonicize from Slavonic entry 1 + -ize

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