bacchanalize
|bac-cha-na-lize|
/ˌbækəˈnæl.aɪz/
turn into drunken, orgiastic revelry
Etymology
'bacchanalize' originates from English formation based on 'bacchanal' + the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. 'Bacchanal' itself comes from 'Bacchanalia' (Latin), the festivals of Bacchus.
'bacchanalize' was formed in English by attaching '-ize' to 'bacchanal' (from Latin 'Bacchanalia'), which in turn came from the Roman/Latin name of the rites devoted to Bacchus; 'Bacchanalia' derives from Latin 'Bacchanalia' and ultimately from Greek 'Bakkh(n)os' referring to the god Dionysus/Bacchus.
Initially related specifically to rites or celebrations of Bacchus (wine god), it evolved into a general sense of turning something into drunken, riotous revelry or encouraging licentious partying.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of bacchanalizing; a conversion into or occurrence of bacchanalian revelry (often used in the abstract or as a derived noun 'bacchanalization').
The bacchanalization of the festival alarmed local residents.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to cause or reduce something to a bacchanal or bacchanalian state; to convert into a scene of drunken, riotous revelry or orgiastic celebration; to indulge in or promote excessive, licentious partying.
They threatened to bacchanalize the solemn ceremony by turning it into a drunken street party.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 14:06