Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Characterize
Char′ac-ter-ize
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Characterized
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Characterizing
.] [LL.
characterizare
, Gr. [GREEK]: cf. F. charactériser
.] 1.
To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features.
European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are
Characterized
. Arbuthnot.
2.
To engrave or imprint.
[Obs.]
Sir M. Hale.
3.
To indicate the character of; to describe.
Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to
characterize
King William. Johnson.
4.
To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.
Syn. – To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.
Webster 1828 Edition
Characterize
CHARACTERIZE
, v.t.1.
To give a character, or an account of the personal qualities of a man; to describe by peculiar qualities.2.
To distinguish; to mark, or express the character; to exhibit the peculiar qualities of a person or thing; as, humility characterizes the true Christian; the hero is characterized by bravery and magnanimity.The system of mediation has characterized the entire scheme of divine dispensation.
3.
To engrave or imprint.4.
To mark with a peculiar stamp, or figure.