unnaturalize

A gardener carefully removes an unnaturalized plant from the flower bed.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make contrary to nature: "unnaturalize" means to render something unnatural, forced, or artificial, deviating from what is normal or instinctive.
   • To deprive of natural feelings: It can also mean to strip away ordinary human emotions or affections, making someone or something seem stiff or unfeeling.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The constant pressure to conform can unnaturalize a person's spontaneous joy. (It makes their natural happiness seem forced or artificial.)
  • The director's heavy-handed editing unnaturalized the actors' performances, making them appear wooden. (It rendered the acting contrary to natural expression.)

Advanced Usage

• "to unnaturalize a custom": to alter a tradition so drastically that it loses its original, organic quality.

  • The modern festival has been unnaturalized by commercial sponsorships. (The event has been made artificial and removed from its natural roots.)

• "to unnaturalize a landscape": to modify a natural environment until it appears contrived or artificial.

  • The construction of the theme park unnaturalized the once-pristine valley. (It transformed the natural area into something forced and unnatural.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unnatural (adj): not natural; contrary to the ordinary course of nature.

  • Her behavior seemed unnatural, as if she were acting a part. (Her conduct was not normal or genuine.)

• Unnaturalized (adj, past participle): made unnatural; not in a natural state.

  • The unnaturalized garden looked stiff and overplanned. (The garden had been altered to appear artificial.)

• Naturalize (verb, antonym): to make natural or accustomed.

  • The immigrant sought to naturalize herself in her new country. (She aimed to become integrated and natural in the new environment.)

Synonyms

• Denature: to strip of natural qualities.
• Deform: to distort from the natural shape or character.
• Pervert: to lead away from what is natural or right.

Phrasal Verbs

• (No common phrasal verbs are associated with "unnaturalize"; the word is typically used as a standalone transitive verb.)

Related Idioms

• "To go against nature": to act in a way that is contrary to what is natural or instinctive.

  • His cruel treatment of animals goes against nature, unnaturalizing his own humanity. (It makes his behavior unnatural and inhumane.)

• "To force a square peg into a round hole": to try to make something fit where it does not naturally belong.

  • Trying to unnaturalize the child's playful spirit into a rigid schedule is like forcing a square peg into a round hole. (It is an unnatural and forced attempt to change something's inherent nature.)