mechanize
UK: ˈmekənaɪz | US: ˈmekənaɪz
vt. to equip with machinery or mechanical devices
vt. to automate a process by introducing machines
vt. to make something operate mechanically or without human intervention
mechanize = mechan<machine> + ize<verb suffix>
- mechan (from Greek mēkhanē via Latin machina, meaning "machine, device")
- ize (verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, indicating "to make or render")
Etymology Origin:
The word "mechanize" traces back to the Greek mēkhanē (machine/contrivance), which entered Latin as machina. The suffix -ize was later added in English (via French -iser) to form verbs meaning "to make or convert into." The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting industrialization's rise—literally "to make mechanical" by replacing manual labor with machines.
Farmers began to mechanize their fields with tractors in the 1920s.
The factory plans to mechanize its assembly line to boost efficiency.
Critics argue that over-mechanizing workplaces reduces human creativity.
The military sought to mechanize infantry units with armored vehicles.
Small businesses struggle to mechanize due to high upfront costs.