immortalize

UK: ɪˈmɔːtəlaɪz | US: ɪˈmɔːrtəlaɪz

Definition

  1. vt. to make someone or something famous forever

  2. vt. to preserve the memory of someone or something in a lasting way

  3. vt. (biology) to confer eternal life or unending existence

Structure
im <not>mortal <subject to death>ize <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "immortalize" combines three clear morphemes:

  1. "Im-" (from Latin "in-") negates the following root, meaning "not."
  2. "Mortal" (from Latin "mortalis," derived from "mors" meaning "death") refers to something subject to death.
  3. "-ize" (from Greek "-izein," via Latin "-izare") is a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make or cause to be."
    The logical progression is straightforward: "to make not subject to death" → "to preserve forever." Historically, it first appeared in the 16th century, reflecting Renaissance humanism's focus on eternal fame through art and literature.
Examples

  1. The poet's work immortalized the hero's deeds for future generations.

  2. Photographs can immortalize a single moment in time.

  3. Scientists hope to immortalize certain cell lines for medical research.

  4. The monument was built to immortalize the soldiers' sacrifice.

  5. Legends often immortalize figures who might otherwise be forgotten.