motorize
C1/C2 (Low frequency, technical/formal register)Formal, technical, military, industrial
Definition
Meaning
to equip something with a motor or engine to make it self-propelled
to mechanize or provide with powered equipment; to convert or adapt for motor vehicle use
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in mechanical, military, and industrial contexts. Implies transformation from non-powered to powered state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the spelling 'motorize' (US) and 'motorise' (UK). The US form is more common in technical writing.
Connotations
In British English, slightly more associated with historical military contexts (e.g., 'motorised divisions'). In American English, more broadly applied to consumer products and industry.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation in both varieties. Higher frequency in technical manuals, military documents, and industrial reports.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
motorize + noun (direct object)be motorized + by/with + instrumentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “motorized cavalry”
- “motorized infantry”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in manufacturing contexts: 'The company plans to motorize its entire conveyor system.'
Academic
Appears in engineering and history papers about technological transformation.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for bicycles or wheelchairs: 'They motorized his wheelchair for greater independence.'
Technical
Common in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and military logistics documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The army decided to motorise the reconnaissance units for greater mobility across rough terrain.
- We need to motorise the factory's manual trolleys to improve efficiency.
American English
- The company will motorize its entire delivery fleet with electric vehicles by 2025.
- He spent the weekend motorizing his old bicycle with a conversion kit.
adjective
British English
- The motorised battalion advanced quickly behind enemy lines.
- She relies on a motorised wheelchair for daily mobility.
American English
- The motorized blinds can be controlled with a smartphone app.
- They toured the national park in a motorized kayak.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people motorize their bicycles to help with steep hills.
- The new shopping trolleys are motorized.
- The military's decision to motorize its infantry divisions significantly changed its tactical capabilities.
- Manufacturers are increasingly motorizing equipment that was previously manual.
- The historical shift from horse-drawn artillery to motorized units marked a revolution in military logistics.
- Industrial engineers sought to motorize every stage of the assembly line to boost productivity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine adding a MOTOR to make something 'rise' in capability → MOTORIZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS MOTION; TECHNOLOGY IS PROGRESS
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'моторизовать' (технически верно, но слово очень книжное). В разговорной речи чаще 'ставить мотор', 'оснащать двигателем'. Прямой перевод звучит излишне формально.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'motorize' for electrification (e.g., 'motorize the house' ×). Confusing with 'motor' as a verb (to travel by car).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'motorize' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical word used primarily in engineering, military, and industrial contexts.
'Motorize' specifically means to add a motor or engine. 'Mechanize' is broader and can mean to introduce any kind of machine or automation, not necessarily involving a motor.
Typically no. It is used for physical objects and systems (vehicles, equipment, units). Using it metaphorically (e.g., 'motorize the economy') is very rare and stylistically marked.
Motorization (US) / Motorisation (UK).
Explore