ə̇ˈtalyəˌnīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: often capitalized, see -ize
Etymology: probably from French italianiser, from Middle French, from Old Italian italiano Italian + Middle French -iser -ize — more at italianate
intransitive verb
: to act in a fashion regarded as distinctive of Italians ; specifically : to follow (as in style or technique) recognized Italian painters
the italianizing masters of Antwerp
transitive verb
1. : to make Italian (as in behavior, appearance, culture, style)
foreigners gradually italianized by residence in Italy
: cause to have Italian characteristics
italianizing a style of architecture
2. : to change or modify (as a word or expression foreign to Italian) so as to make conform (as in spelling or pronunciation) to characteristics of the Italian language
an italianized family name