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Definition of plagiarize

plagiarize

/ˈpleɪ.dʒə.ɹaɪz/
(UK: plagiarise)
pla · gia · rize
Adverb:plagiaristically
•
Adjective:plagiaristic
•
Past Simple:plagiarized
•
Past Participle:plagiarized
•
Present Participle:plagiarizing
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plagiarize Lexical Profile

plagiarize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take and use the work, ideas, or words of someone else and pass them off as one's own without proper attribution.

Example

"The student was suspended after the committee discovered that he had decided to plagiarize several paragraphs from a published journal article."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for plagiarize

• Nearby Words

plagiarist
plagiaristic
plagiarization
plagiarize
plagiarizer
plagioclimax
plague

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 18th century from 'plagiary' plus the verb suffix '-ize', ultimately deriving from Latin 'plagiarius' meaning 'kidnapper' or 'plunderer', which the Roman poet Martial metaphorically applied to literary thieves.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Plagiarize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/plagiarize
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