depersonalize

verb

de·​per·​son·​al·​ize (ˈ)dē-ˈpər-snə-ˌlīz How to pronounce depersonalize (audio)
-ˈpər-sə-nə-
depersonalized; depersonalizing; depersonalizes

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of the sense of personal identity
schools that depersonalize students
2
: to make impersonal
depersonalizing medical care

Examples of depersonalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Time and time again, staging proves to make a world of difference for homeowners – all because decluttering, updating and depersonalizing spaces allows buyers to picture themselves there and confidently make an offer. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas News, 12 Mar. 2023 On that note, remember to depersonalize. Dallas News, 1 Jan. 2023 Why not depersonalize it? CBS News, 30 Oct. 2022 To help depersonalize these tasks, the founder must evaluate the use of time in terms of an hourly rate. Carl Gould, Forbes, 30 June 2022 Still, generic characters in melodramatic poses strategically depersonalize subjects to the benefit of thematic punch and decorative finesse. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 That drives the impulse many businesses have to depersonalize feedback, reduce it to topline numbers and keep the customer voice at a more comfortable distance. Jason Vandeboom, Forbes, 23 May 2022 The anti-recall campaign understands this and is trying to depersonalize the campaign. Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2022 Jackson says to take a step back and depersonalize the issue at hand and show grace toward the friend — something 29-year-old bartender Hannah Eagle has recently taken to heart. Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'depersonalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depersonalize was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near depersonalize

Cite this Entry

“Depersonalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depersonalize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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