polonize

transitive verb

po·​lo·​nize

ˈpōləˌnīz

-ed/-ing/-s

often capitalized

1

: to cause to acquire Polish customs or attitudes

especially : to force into conformity with Polish cultural patterns or governmental policies

German cities assigned to Poland have been polonized

—M. A. Pei

the Polish clergy … use their influence to polonize the people

—Russian Poland

2

: to modify (a word or expression) to conform to characteristics distinctive of Polish

difficult … to polonize English terms

—B. W. A. Massey

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary polon-, (from Medieval Latin Polonia Poland) + -ize

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now