bedizen
UK: bɪˈdaɪzən | US: bɪˈdaɪzən
vt. to dress or adorn in a showy, gaudy, or tasteless manner
bedizen = be<intensive prefix> + dizen<to dress ostentatiously>
- be (intensive prefix, from Old English "be-", meaning "thoroughly" or "excessively")
- dizen (obsolete verb, from Dutch "diesen" or German "deisen," meaning "to dress or equip," often with a connotation of over-ornamentation)
Etymology Origin:
The word "bedizen" emerged in the early 17th century, combining the intensive prefix "be-" with the now-rare verb "dizen." The latter likely entered English from Dutch or Low German, where it originally referred to preparing or equipping (e.g., a ship with rigging). Over time, "dizen" shifted to imply excessive adornment, and "bedizen" intensified this meaning, often carrying a negative judgment of tasteless display. The word reflects a cultural fascination with—and critique of—ostentatious fashion.
The performers were bedizened in glittering costumes for the carnival parade.
Critics mocked the aristocrats who bedizened themselves with impractical finery.
She refused to bedizen her wedding gown, preferring elegant simplicity.
The stage was bedizened with tinsel and garish props.
His bedizened appearance made him stand out awkwardly at the formal event.