Anglicize

/ˈæŋɡlɪsaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make something English in character, language, or customs, or to adopt English words or practices.

Etymology

From 'Anglo-' (English) plus -ize (to make or become), first used in the 17th-18th centuries to describe the process of making foreign words, names, or practices more English.

Kelly Says

When immigrants changed 'Schmidt' to 'Smith' or 'Giuseppe' to 'Joe,' they were anglicizing their names—it shows how powerful the pressure was to fit into English-speaking societies!

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