bantamize
|ban-tam-ize|
/ˈbæntəmaɪz/
make small; give small/feisty character
Etymology
'bantamize' originates from English, specifically from the noun 'bantam' combined with the productive suffix '-ize' (from Greek/Latin via French/English) meaning 'to make or become'. 'bantam' ultimately refers to Bantam, a port on the island of Java, whose name was applied to a small breed of domestic fowl.
'bantamize' developed in modern English by attaching '-ize' to 'bantam' after 'bantam' entered English (17th century) via Dutch from the place name 'Bantam' and came to mean a small domestic fowl and, figuratively, a small but pugnacious person; the verb formation produced meanings related to making something small or giving it bantam-like qualities.
Initially, formation would have meant 'to make like a bantam (small and feisty)'; over time usage broadened to include more general senses 'to make smaller' or 'to reduce in importance' in both literal and figurative contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make smaller in size or scale; to reduce or miniaturize.
Some designers bantamize the device to fit it into a more compact case.
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Verb 2
to give the qualities of a 'bantam' (small but bold or feisty); figuratively, to make (someone or something) seem less important or to belittle.
Critics accused the publisher of trying to bantamize the author's ideas for mass appeal.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 22:54