fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size ˈfan-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce fantasize (audio)
fantasized; fantasizing

intransitive verb

: to indulge in reverie : to create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhoodDiane Arbus

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind : fancy
likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy
fantasizer noun

Examples of fantasize in a Sentence

She fantasized that she had won a million dollars. all those lottery players fantasizing themselves as living in extravagant luxury
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those high on grandiosity seek admiration, are usually dominating and overconfident, fantasize about perfection, and tend to have high self-esteem. Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 One co-founder fantasized about expanding staff and getting fellatio from all the new employees; another staffer claimed women’s games were different from men’s because of differences in their biology. Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024 Now more and more people, especially on the right, are openly fantasizing about subjecting their enemies to violent retribution, and in some cases, are actually already doing it. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 Trust me, this elegant, historic hotel just lends itself to fantasizing. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fantasize 

Word History

Etymology

fantasy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fantasize was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near fantasize

Cite this Entry

“Fantasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantasize. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

fantasize

verb
fan·​ta·​size
variants or British fantasise
fantasized or British fantasised; fantasizing or British fantasising

intransitive verb

: to indulge in fantasy : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
fantasizes about running away from home

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind by fantasy
likes to fantasize herself as very famous

More from Merriam-Webster on fantasize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!