Accessorize

/ækˈsɛsəraɪz/ verb

Definition

To decorate or complement something with accessories, especially clothing with shoes, belts, jewelry, etc.

Etymology

From accessory + -ize (suffix meaning 'to make or become'). This modern verb emerged in early 20th-century fashion and retail language.

Kelly Says

The verb 'accessorize' is pure 20th-century consumerism—fashion magazines invented this word to convince people that a complete outfit required multiple purchases, turning complementing into a planned economic behavior.

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