verb
also cap·i·tal·ise ˈkapəd. ə lˌīz, -p(ə)t ə l-, Brit also kəˈpit ə l-
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: French capitaliser, from capital + -iser -ize
transitive verb
1.
a.
[ capital (II) (letter) + -ize ]
: to write or print with an initial capital letter
days of the week are usually capitalized
b. : to write or print in capital letters
abbreviations like B.A. and M.D. are usually capitalized
2. : to convert into capital : arrange for use in acquiring capital
capitalize the company's reserve funds
3. : to profit by : utilize gainfully : turn to one's advantage
the producer and his designer assistant capitalize the curiosity and vanity of their customers — Edward Sapir
4.
a. : to compute, appraise, or estimate the present value of (an income extended over a period of time)
capitalized earnings
b. : to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuity
5.
a. : to charge (an expenditure) to a capital assets account
b. : to fix or determine the amount of capital stock to be authorized or issued by (a company)
6. : to supply capital for : arrange available capital for the operation of
some troubles in capitalizing the new venture
intransitive verb
: to gain by opportune use of the adventitious : profit — used with on or upon
Lee hoped to capitalize on his victory by pressing a further invasion — Horace Sutton
unscrupulous industrialists and politicians, ever ready to capitalize on baseless popular superstitions — M.F.A.Montagu