Making something adopt American culture, customs, or characteristics; or helping immigrants adopt American ways.
From 'American' (from Amerigo Vespucci) plus '-ize' (to make or become) plus '-ing.' Used since the 1800s to describe cultural assimilation.
During the 1900s, schools were actively Americanizing immigrant children by banning native languages and forcing English—which sounds harsh now, but people believed it was necessary for 'becoming American.'
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