fertilize
UK: ˈfɜːtɪlaɪz | US: ˈfɜːrtəlaɪz
vt. to make (soil or land) more productive by adding nutrients
vt. to introduce sperm or pollen into (an egg, plant, etc.) for reproduction
vt. (figuratively) to enrich or stimulate development
The word "fertilize" derives from Latin fertilis (fruitful, productive), combined with the verb-forming suffix -ize (from Greek -izein). The root fertil is linked to ferre (to bear, carry), reflecting the idea of bearing fruit or abundance. Over time, it evolved to specifically denote enhancing productivity, whether in agriculture (soil) or biology (reproduction). The suffix -ize systematically converts nouns/adjectives into verbs, emphasizing the action of causing a state (e.g., "make fertile").
Farmers fertilize their fields annually to boost crop yields.
Bees help fertilize flowers by transferring pollen.
The professor’s feedback fertilized the student’s creativity.
This chemical is used to fertilize laboratory-grown plants.
Ancient civilizations used manure to fertilize their farmlands.