Darwinize

/ˈdɑrwɪnaɪz/ verb

Definition

To interpret, explain, or modify something according to Darwinian principles of evolution and natural selection.

Etymology

From Darwin + -ize (suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to treat as'). Created in the late 1800s as evolutionary theory was being applied to many different fields beyond biology.

Kelly Says

Once Darwin published his theory, people started 'Darwinizing' everything—history, economics, psychology, morality—even though Darwin's theory was specifically about biological adaptation, not social progress, which led to some really problematic misuses of his ideas.

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