Definition

1. Verb:
   • To equip something with a motor or engine, thereby enabling mechanical propulsion or operation.
   • To convert a system, process, or military unit to use motor vehicles or mechanized equipment.

Usage

The verb "motorise" describes the action of adding motor power to something that previously lacked it or of transitioning to motorized equipment. It is often used in technical, industrial, and military contexts. The spelling "motorize" is more common in American English.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The company decided to motorise its fleet of delivery bicycles to increase range and speed.
  • Many farmers have motorised their irrigation systems for greater efficiency.
  • The government's plan is to motorise the infantry divisions.

Advanced Usage

• "to motorise a force": To equip a military unit with armored vehicles and transport.
  • The strategic decision was to motorise the cavalry, replacing horses with trucks and light tanks.

Variants and Related Words

• Motorize (verb): The preferred spelling in American English, identical in meaning to "motorise".
• Motorised/Motorized (adjective): Describing something that is equipped with a motor.
  • A motorised wheelchair.
• Motorisation/Motorization (noun): The process or result of motorising.
  • The motorisation of agriculture transformed rural life.

Synonyms

• Mechanize: To introduce machines or automatic devices into a process. (Often used interchangeably with "motorise," especially in military contexts).
• Power: To supply with a source of energy or motive force.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms directly based on the word "motorise".)

Verb

1. equip with armed and armored motor vehicles
   • mechanize armies