Babylonize

/ˌbæbɪˈloʊnaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make Babylonian in character or style; to adopt Babylonian customs, practices, or cultural influences.

Etymology

From 'Babylon' plus '-ize' (from Greek '-izein'). The '-ize' suffix creates verbs meaning 'to make' or 'to become,' following patterns like 'Romanize' and 'Hellenize.'

Kelly Says

Verbs ending in '-ize' often implied cultural conquest in historical writing—scholars talked about regions being 'Hellenized' or 'Romanized' when conquered peoples adopted their conqueror's ways. It's actually describing cultural imperialism.

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