v., -ized, -iz·ing, -iz·es. v.tr.
- To comprehend completely or correctly.
- To bring into reality; make real: He finally realized his lifelong ambition to learn how to play the violin.
- To make realistic: a film that realizes court life of the 17th century.
- To obtain or achieve, as gain or profit: She realized a substantial return on the investment.
- To bring in (a sum) as profit by sale.
To exchange holdings or goods for money.
[French réaliser, from Old French, from real, real. See real1.]
realizable re'al·iz'a·ble adj.realizer re'al·iz'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
