empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy
empathized with his son's fears
empathizer noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lythcott-Haims says parents should empathize with their child’s concerns, but keep their child in the driver’s seat by asking them what their plan of action is to resolve the problem. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 Additionally, Esterhazy believes that the script, written by brothers Jon and Al Kaplan, lets viewers empathize with Paola, no matter how wild the situations became. William Earl, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025 To see an artist from as far away as Japan empathize with the miners’ struggle and intentionally incorporate that, alongside the beautiful Welsh landscape, into a film was incredible. Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 To that end, Shadows empathizes with Disturbed frontman David Draiman, who is feeling the heat for his public support of Israel, which resulted in the cancelation of a concert in Belgium. Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for empathize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

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Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb
em·​pa·​thize
variants or British empathise
empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising
: to experience empathy
adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations

More from Merriam-Webster on empathize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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