'europeanise' originates from Modern English, specifically the adjective 'European' combined with the suffix '-ise' (from French '-iser'), where '-ise' meant 'to make' or 'to render'.

'European' ultimately derives from Greek 'Eurṓpē' (Εὐρώπη) meaning the mythological figure/place 'Europa', which passed into Latin as 'Europa' and Late Latin 'Europeus'; in Modern English the adjective 'European' was formed and the verb 'europeanise' was later created by adding the productive suffix '-ise' (from French '-iser').

Initially the elements referred simply to 'Europe' or 'of Europe', but when combined with '-ise' the verb came to mean 'to make like Europe' or 'to adopt European characteristics'; that core meaning has been maintained into modern usage.