To direct or guide something through a specific channel or pathway; to give direction to energy or effort.
From 'channel' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (Greek '-izein'). Became common in engineering and psychology terminology in the 20th century.
Engineers use 'channelize' for rivers to prevent flooding, but psychologists also use it—Freud believed we 'channelize' unconscious impulses into socially acceptable behavior. Same word, wildly different meanings!
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