depersonalize

verb

de·​per·​son·​al·​ize (ˈ)dē-ˈpər-snə-ˌlīz How to pronounce depersonalize (audio)
-ˈpər-sə-nə-
depersonalized; depersonalizing; depersonalizes

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of the sense of personal identity
schools that depersonalize students
2
: to make impersonal
depersonalizing medical care

Examples of depersonalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rob made enough money to buy a second home, but the effect was depersonalizing. Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026 The minus, for me at least, is to depersonalize these iconic figures. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 Conventional wisdom dictates that the best way to stage a home is to depersonalize it. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Some advancement teams worry that AI could depersonalize the giving experience or replace the human touch. Tal Frankfurt, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Time and time again, staging proves to make a world of difference for homeowners – all because decluttering, updating and depersonalizing spaces allows buyers to picture themselves there and confidently make an offer. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas News, 12 Mar. 2023 Why not depersonalize it? CBS News, 30 Oct. 2022 Still, generic characters in melodramatic poses strategically depersonalize subjects to the benefit of thematic punch and decorative finesse. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 We were depersonalized by only being referred to as our character names — in the camp, on the set, at the hotel. Charlie Sheen, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depersonalize was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depersonalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depersonalize. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster