'classicize' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'classic' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (ultimately from Greek '-izein' via Latin '-izare'), where 'classic' comes from Latin 'classicus' meaning 'of the highest class or pertaining to a class.'

'classicize' developed in Modern English by adding the productive suffix '-ize' to 'classic'. 'Classic' itself came into English via Middle French/Old French from Latin 'classicus', which derived from 'classis' (a division, class). The suffix '-ize' traces back to Greek '-izein' and entered English through Latin and French verb-forming patterns.

Initially, 'classicus' in Latin meant 'belonging to a class' or 'of the first class'; over time 'classic' came to mean 'of acknowledged excellence or standard', and the verb formed from it, 'classicize', evolved to mean 'to make or render into a classical form or style.'