symbolize

[ sim-buh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsɪm bəˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

to be a symbol of; stand for or represent in the manner of a symbol.
to represent by a symbol or symbols.
to regard or treat as symbolic.

verb (used without object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

to use symbols.
Also especially British, sym·bol·ise.

Origin of symbolize

From the New Latin word symbolizāre, dating back to 1580–90. See symbol, -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM symbolize

re·sym·bol·ize, verb, re·sym·bol·ized, re·sym·bol·iz·ing. un·sym·bol·ized, adjective

Words nearby symbolize

symbolics, symbolism, symbolist, symbolist movement, symbolization, symbolize, symbology, symbrachydactyly, symington, symmachus, symmetalism

Example sentences from the Web for symbolise

British Dictionary definitions for symbolise

symbolize

symbolise

/ (ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to serve as or be a symbol of
(tr usually foll by by) to represent by a symbol or symbols
(intr) to use symbols
(tr) to treat or regard as symbolic or figurative

Derived forms of symbolize

symbolization or symbolisation, noun