-ˌsīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: italic (I) + -ize
transitive verb
1.
a. : to print in italics
the printer italicized the whole passage
b. : to underscore with a single line for emphasis or for some other purpose achieved in print by the use of italic type or so as to indicate that the matter underscored is to be set in italic type
annoyingly italicizes sentence after sentence in her notes
2. : accentuate , emphasize , stress : as
a. : to give sharp prominence to (spoken words) usually affectedly by the use of some oral speech device especially exaggerated intonation
she was italicizing every other word with that deadly, glittering brightness that a woman puts on — George Orwell
italicized words and even phrases surged about in her conversation — Ngaio Marsh
b. : to bring out strongly or cause to be highlighted : play up
decorative features that italicize the building's perfect symmetry
his scorn for the orthodox language and logic of the law is italicized by such wry remarks — Fred Rodell
serves especially to italicize the principle — N.F.Adkins
dramatically italicizes the movie's theme — Newsweek
c. : to outline sharply : bring into sharp relief
the little carmine smudge of her italicized lips — Bruce Marshall
intransitive verb
: to use italics
has a habit of italicizing