'Europeanize' originates from modern English, formed from 'European' + the suffix '-ize'; 'European' comes via French 'européen' from Latin 'Europa', ultimately from Greek 'Eurṓpē'.

'Europeanize' was created by combining the adjective 'European' (from Old French/Latin roots) with the Greek-derived verbal suffix '-ize' (from -izein), following patterns like 'civilize' and 'modernize', and became the English verb 'Europeanize'.

Initially it meant 'to make into or adopt the characteristics of Europe'; over time this core meaning has remained, though contexts and targets (culture, law, fashion, economy) have varied.