socialize

/ˌsoʊʃəˈlaɪz/

/ˈsʌʊʃəlaɪz/

Other forms: socialized; socializing; socializes

When you socialize, you participate in activities in a group setting. If you have been studying alone for some time, you might take a break at the coffee shop to socialize with some friends.

You can socialize somebody else, or educate her in social patterns. Parents socialize their kids through their upbringing, and clubs often socialize their members through a uniform. If you want to hang out with motorcyclists, you might want to dress in leather. It is also possible to socialize institutions, where benefits are open to a wide section of society. If voters socialize medicine, that service becomes available to all at government expense.

Definitions of socialize

1. verb

   take part in social activities; interact with others
   “He never socializes with his colleagues”

   “The old man hates to socialize”

   synonyms: socialise

   types:

   get around, swing

   be a social swinger; socialize a lot

   fraternise, fraternize

   be on friendly terms with someone, as if with a brother, especially with an enemy

   hobnob

   rub elbows with

   entertain

   provide entertainment for

   host

   be the host of or for

   amuse, disport, divert, regale

   occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

   type of:

   interact

   act together or towards others or with others
2. verb

   prepare for social life
   “Children have to be socialized in school”

   synonyms: socialise

   type of:

   fix, gear up, prepare, ready, set, set up

   make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
3. verb

   train for a social environment
   “The children must be properly socialized”

   synonyms: socialise

   type of:

   educate

   give an education to
4. verb

   make conform to socialist ideas and philosophies
   “Health care should be socialized!”

   synonyms: socialise

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation