Anglicanize

/ˈæŋɡlɪkənaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make something adopt English or Anglican characteristics, especially in language, customs, or religion.

Etymology

From 'Anglican' (relating to the Church of England, from 'Anglii,' the Latin name for the Angles) plus the suffix '-ize' meaning to cause to become or to act like. First used in the 17th century when the Church of England was asserting its identity.

Kelly Says

When the British Empire was at its height, 'anglicanize' was actually used as a tool of cultural control—colonized peoples were sometimes forced to adopt English language and Anglican religion as signs of 'civilization.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.