fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size ˈfan-tə-ˌsīz 

fantasized; fantasizing

intransitive verb

: to indulge in reverie : to create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas

doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhood

—Diane Arbus

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind : fancy

likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy

fantasizer

ˈfan-tə-ˌsī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• conceit [chiefly dialect]
• conceive
• conjure (up)
• dream
• envisage
• envision
• fancy
• fantasy
• feature
• ideate
• image
• imagine
• picture
• see
• vision
• visualize

Examples of fantasize in a Sentence

She fantasized that she had won a million dollars.

all those lottery players fantasizing themselves as living in extravagant luxury

Recent Examples on the Web

The accompanying visual brings the passionate energy to life as a female stork clerk fantasizing about him while helping him. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 13 Dec. 2024

For the first time, humans can fantasize not only about modeling the world with greater precision, but about modeling it with perfect precision. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024

As a form of escapism, Molina fantasized of Aurora as an actress who, in the film, takes on the role of Spider Woman. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Some Democrats may fantasize that Kennedy’s presence at HHS would raise trust in science and government among Republicans. —Keren Landman, Vox, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fantasy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Medical Definition

fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size

variants or British fantasise

ˈfant-ə-ˌsīz 

fantasized or British fantasised; fantasizing or British fantasising

intransitive verb

: to indulge in fantasy : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas

fantasizes about running away from home

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind by fantasy

likes to fantasize herself as very famous