What does plasticize mean?
Plasticize means to make a material plastic, pliable, or readily moulded, usually through the application of heat, pressure, or a chemical treatment. The verb is especially common in manufacturing, packaging, plastics, and crafts: films are plasticized so that they can be shaped, while resins and other compounds may be softened before being formed. It can also be used more figuratively and critically to describe giving something an artificial, glossy, or overly processed appearance. In this extended sense, “plasticize” often carries a negative implication, suggesting that something has lost naturalness, warmth, or complexity. The word is related to the adjective “plastic” and the noun “plasticity,” reflecting its association with materials that can be moulded. Although understandable in ordinary contexts, it is more precise and stylistically marked than simpler alternatives such as “soften” or “shape.”
verbTo make a material plastic, pliable, or easily moulded. In extended use, it can mean to give something an artificial or overly smooth appearance.
- To make a material plastic, pliable, or easily moulded.
- To give something a conspicuously artificial or overly smooth appearance.
"Heat is used to plasticize the material before it is shaped."
"The manufacturer heats the compound to plasticize it before forming the panels."
"The advertisement plasticizes the image of the historic building with glossy colours and digital effects."
"Plasticized film is commonly used for protective packaging."
From the Greek plastikos, meaning “fit for moulding,” plasticize describes the moment a rigid material becomes flexible enough to shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of plasticize
The verb derives from the adjective “plastic,” which comes through Latin from Greek plastikos, “fit for moulding” or “formed,” itself related to plastos, meaning “moulded.” The suffix “-ize” was added in the 19th century to form a verb expressing the action of making something plastic. The related noun “plasticizer” names a substance added to a material to increase flexibility or pliability.
Related word forms
How plasticize is actually used
The word is relatively formal and technical in its material sense. In literary or critical contexts, it can be derogatory or satirical, suggesting that something is rendered artificial or emotionally flat.
Easily confused with plasticize
Plasticise is the British spelling of the verb, while plasticize is the standard American spelling.