Mechanize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛkənaɪz/

Definitions

1. To transform processes that require human effort into automated operations through the implementation of machinery
2. To fit with machines in order to reduce manual labor ; to convert a process so that it is carried out by machines rather than humans
3. To provide machinery to perform tasks instead of using human effort ; to redesign a system so machines perform the work automatically

Etymology: "Mechanize" is formed from "mechanic" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which comes from Greek "-izein" through Latin "-izare" and entered English as a way to turn nouns and adjectives into verbs meaning "make into" or "treat in the manner of." "Mechanic" itself traces back to Greek "mēkhanikos," meaning "relating to machines or devices," which was built on "mēkhanē," a contrivance or device. The combination is straightforward: a machine-related noun plus a productive suffix, producing a verb meaning to equip a process or industry with machines. The sense is therefore literal from the start, with no dramatic shift in meaning, and its use grew alongside industrial production, when work once done by hand came to be done by machinery.

Synonyms: automate, motorize, digitize, industrialize, engineer

Antonyms: manualize, handcraft, unmechanize, dehumanize