'arabicize' originates from English formation combining the adjective 'Arabic' and the productive suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein' via Latin/French), where the suffix meant 'to make or become'.

'arabicize' was formed in modern English by attaching the suffix '-ize' to 'Arabic'. The suffix '-ize' ultimately comes from Greek '-izein', passed into Late Latin and Old French before becoming a common English verb-forming element.

Initially it meant 'to make or render something Arabic' (in language, script, style, or character); this basic meaning has been retained in modern usage, though the term can apply both to linguistic transcription/translation and to cultural/stylistic adaptation.