ventriloquize

ventriloquize

A ventriloquist ventriloquizes a conversation with his puppet on stage.

Definition

  1. Verb (intransitive):

    • To speak in a manner that appears to come from a source other than the speaker: "ventriloquize" means to produce speech in such a way that the sound seems to originate from a different location or person, typically as a form of entertainment or deception. This is the central act of a ventriloquist.

  2. Verb (transitive, less common):

    • To cause (words or sounds) to seem to come from another source: "ventriloquize" can also be used transitively, meaning to project one's voice or speech onto an object or person, as if that object or person were speaking.
Usage Examples

  • Intransitive use:

    • The performer learned to ventriloquize without moving his lips. (The performer spoke in a way that made his voice seem to come from elsewhere.)
    • She can ventriloquize so convincingly that the audience believes the dummy is alive. (She speaks in a ventriloquist's manner.)

  • Transitive use:

    • He ventriloquized a joke through the puppet. (He made the puppet seem to speak the joke.)
    • The magician ventriloquized a whisper from behind the curtain. (The magician caused the whisper to appear to come from the curtain.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to ventriloquize for an audience": to perform ventriloquism in front of a group.

    • He ventriloquized for the children at the birthday party. (He performed ventriloquism as entertainment.)

  • "to ventriloquize a character": to create the illusion that a fictional character is speaking.

    • She ventriloquized a grumpy old man through her hand puppet. (She made the puppet seem to be a speaking character.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Ventriloquist (n): a person who practices ventriloquism, especially as a performer.
    • The ventriloquist amazed the crowd with his skill. (The performer who uses ventriloquism.)
  • Ventriloquism (n): the art or practice of speaking in a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker.
    • Ventriloquism requires careful control of the throat and mouth. (The technique of ventriloquizing.)
  • Ventriloquial (adj): relating to or characteristic of ventriloquism.
    • The ventriloquial effect was achieved through practice. (The effect related to ventriloquism.)
Synonyms
  • Throw one's voice: to produce speech that seems to come from another location.
    • He can throw his voice across the room. (He can ventriloquize.)
  • Project (speech): to direct one's voice so that it appears distant or from elsewhere.
    • She projected her speech toward the dummy. (She ventriloquized.)
Related Idioms
  • Speak from the belly: an informal phrase for ventriloquizing, referring to the technique of using the diaphragm.
    • The old performer could speak from the belly without moving his lips. (He could ventriloquize.)