'arcticize' originates from English, specifically from the word 'Arctic' combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek/Latin/French), where 'Arctic' traces back to Greek 'arktikós' meaning 'of the bear' (referring to the northern region).

'Arctic' came into English via Latin and French from Greek 'arktikós' (ἀρκτικός). The verb-forming suffix '-ize' comes from Greek '-izein' through Latin '-izare' and Old French '-iser', producing the modern English verb 'arcticize'.

Initially 'arktikós' meant 'of the bear' (i.e., relating to the northern constellations/region); over time the element 'Arctic' came to denote the extreme north and 'arcticize' developed the verbal sense 'to make like the Arctic' or 'to make extremely cold'.