What does motorize mean?
Motorize is a verb meaning to equip something with a motor or to make it operate through motor power. It is commonly used with vehicles, boats, bicycles, aircraft, and machines: a company may motorize a fleet, or a workshop may motorize a bicycle by installing an electric motor. In historical and engineering contexts, the word can also suggest the transition from human, animal, or wind-powered movement to mechanical propulsion. Its related adjective, motorized, is especially common in compounds such as “motorized transport” and “motorized wheelchair.” Motorize is the usual US spelling, while British English more often uses motorise. The word belongs to the formal or technical register but remains readily understandable. Its history reflects the expanding role of engines in everyday transport and industry, as well as the broader importance of mechanical power in modern life.
verbTo equip a vehicle, machine, or other object with a motor, or to make it operate by motor power.
- To equip a vehicle, machine, or object with a motor.
- To provide an object with motor-driven propulsion or operation.
"The company plans to motorize its delivery fleet with compact electric drivetrains."
"The workshop can motorize old bicycles with electric conversion kits."
"The engine was designed to motorize small aircraft used for regional flights."
Motorize made mechanical power available to ordinary vehicles, turning bicycles, boats, and wheelchairs into powered machines.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motorize come from?
Motorize was formed in English from motor and the productive suffix -ize. The word motor comes through Latin motor, meaning “mover,” ultimately from movere, “to move.” Related English words such as motion, motive, and emotion belong to the same Latin root family. The English verb developed in connection with the spread of mechanical power and the conversion of vehicles and machines to motor-driven operation.
Related word forms
How motorize is actually used
Motorize is chiefly the US spelling; British English generally uses motorise. It is a formal or technical term, often used in industrial, transport, engineering, and historical contexts.
Easily confused with motorize
Motorize is the standard US spelling, whereas motorise is the corresponding British spelling and has the same meaning.