Europeanize

/jʊˈrɑpiənaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make something European in character, culture, or style; to adopt or implement European practices, standards, or customs.

Etymology

From 'European' + '-ize' (to make or become); emerged in the 18th-19th centuries as European powers expanded globally and promoted their cultural and institutional models.

Kelly Says

Peter the Great literally forced Russia to europeanize by shaving the nobility's beards, adopting Western fashion, and building a European-style capital in St. Petersburg—showing how radical cultural transformation requires power and sometimes coercion.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.