SOH-shuh-lyze
/ˈsoʊʃəlaɪz/
verbB1IELTS
General
To prepare an animal for life in a human and multi-animal environment by exposing it to various people, places, and sounds.
In training, this is a critical developmental window, usually between 3 and 16 weeks for puppies.
The story behind the word. The root 'socius' meant a fellow or partner. To socialize an animal is to literally turn it into a 'companion' that can exist alongside others without fear.
Word relationships
- acclimatize: Acclimatize usually refers to getting used to a new climate or physical environment, while socialize is about social interactions.
- isolate: Isolate means to keep away from others, which is the opposite of the exposure required for socialization.
Commonly confused with
- tame: Taming is making a wild animal docile; socializing is teaching a domestic animal how to behave in society.
Word family
- socialization (noun): The process of becoming social.
Collocations
- properly socialize
- socialize a puppy
- early socialization
Example sentences
- "It is vital to socialize your puppy before sixteen weeks to prevent fear-based aggression later in life." Puppy development advice. (American Kennel Club (AKC) Guidelines)
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ize: Making the animal ready for a SOCIAL life. Friendly and fearless.
When not to use
Don't use this to mean 'playing'; an animal can be socialized to a vacuum cleaner, which doesn't involve playing.
Fun facts
- Puppies have a 'fear period' during socialization where one bad experience can leave a lifelong impression.
socialize
To prepare an animal for life in a human and multi-animal environment by exposing it to various people, places, and sounds.
In training, this is a critical developmental window, usually between 3 and 16 weeks for puppies.
Word relationships
Commonly confused with
Word family
Collocations
Example sentences
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ize: Making the animal ready for a SOCIAL life. Friendly and fearless.
When not to use
Don't use this to mean 'playing'; an animal can be socialized to a vacuum cleaner, which doesn't involve playing.
Fun facts
Related words
temperament, desensitize
Explore more words
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