/ ˈdʒentrɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb
( gen·tri·fies , gen·tri·fy·ing , gen·tri·fied , gen·tri·fied ) [ vn ] [ usually passive ] to change an area, a person, etc. so that they are suitable for, or can mix with, people of a higher social class than before :
Old working-class areas of the city are being gentrified.
► gen·tri·fi·ca·tion noun [ U ]