To make contemporary or modern; to adapt something to current times or standards (American spelling).
From 'contemporary' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (American) or '-ise' (British). This created verb entered English in the 19th century as modernity became a focus.
This verb is rarer than you'd expect—most people just say 'modernize' instead, so 'contemporize' remains a quirk that linguists notice but everyday speakers overlook.
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