naturalize
naturalize Lexical Profile
naturalize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To admit a foreigner to the citizenship of a country, or to become a citizen through this legal process.
"After living in the country as a permanent resident for five years, she applied to naturalize."
To introduce a non-native plant or animal to a new region so that it establishes itself and reproduces in the wild, or to become established in this way.
"Many European wildflowers were brought over by early settlers and quickly began to naturalize across North American meadows."
To adopt a foreign word, custom, or cultural practice into common native use so that it appears natural or indigenous.
"Over the centuries, the English language managed to naturalize thousands of loanwords from French and Latin."
• Rhymes for naturalize
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French naturaliser, derived from Latin naturalis ('by birth, according to nature'), from natura ('birth, nature').