ˈsimbəˌlīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
intransitive verb
1.
[Middle French symboliser, from Medieval Latin symbolizare to express by a symbol, to be alike in quality, from Latin symbolus, symbolum symbol + Late Latin -izare -ize]
archaic : to be alike (as in qualities, properties, or principles) : become united : harmonize , agree , concur
2.
[ symbol (I) + -ize ]
: to use symbols or symbolism
the Middle Ages, with their constant tendency to symbolize — Lewis Mumford
transitive verb
[Medieval Latin symbolizare to express by a symbol]
1. : to serve as a symbol of : stand for : typify
the wedding ring symbolizes unending love
2. : to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
streets of a populated place need not be symbolized — Topographic Surveying
talking symbolizes experience — Stuart Chase