Europeanise

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To cause a country, institution, or practice to adopt the customs, laws, or standards associated with Europe
2. To bring something under European influence or make it resemble European models in culture, policy, or structure
3. To transform a place or system so that it takes on the character and norms typical of European societies

Etymology: "Europeanise" is a plain formation: the adjective "European" with the verb-forming suffix "-ise" attached, meaning to make something European in character, or to bring it under European influence or standards. The suffix comes from Greek "-izein" by way of Latin "-izare" and French "-iser", and English has used it for centuries to turn adjectives and nouns into verbs, as in "modernise" or "civilise". The word is a straightforward compound with no famous coiner or dramatic shift in meaning. Its sense has stayed close to the original idea, so its history is best understood by looking at the two parts it is built from.

Synonyms: europeanize, westernize