v.
Pronunciation: ' a-n ə - ˌ l ī z
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -lyzed ; -lyz · ing
Etymology: probably irregular from analysis
Date: 1587
1 : to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis
2 : to subject to scientific or grammatical analysis
3 : PSYCHOANALYZE
– an · a · lyz · abil · i · ty \ ˌ a-n ə - ˌ l ī -z ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– an · a · lyz · able \ ' a-n ə - ˌ l ī -z ə -b ə l \ adjective
– an · a · lyz · er \ - ˌ l ī -z ə r \ noun
synonyms ANALYZE , DISSECT , BREAK DOWN mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements. ANALYZE suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships < analyzed the collected data>. DISSECT suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny <commentators dissected every word of the speech>. BREAK DOWN implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions < break down the budget>.