pedestrianized
puh-DES-tree-uh-nyzd
/pəˈdɛstriənaɪzd/
Made into an area for people to walk in, where vehicles are not allowed.
Usually refers to a deliberate urban planning decision to improve safety and commerce.
The story behind the word. The root 'ped-' (foot) is ancient, but the verb 'pedestrianize' is a 20th-century invention, arising as cars began to dominate cities and planners sought to reclaim space for people.
Word relationships
- car-free: A simpler, more descriptive term.
Word family
- pedestrian (noun): A person walking rather than traveling in a vehicle.
Collocations
- pedestrianized zone
- fully pedestrianized
- pedestrianized precinct
Example sentences
- "The city council decided to pedestrianized the main shopping street to boost foot traffic." Describing a city center.
- "The historic center is mostly pedestrianized, so wear comfortable shoes." Travel advice.
Memory hook
Ped (foot) + Street. A street for feet. No cars allowed.
When not to use
Don't use it for a park or a forest path; it specifically implies a street that once had cars but now doesn't.
Fun facts
- The Stroget in Copenhagen is one of the longest pedestrianized shopping streets in Europe, converted in 1962 despite initial protests from shopkeepers.
Related words
Explore more words
walkable, walkability, greenway, urbanization, ordinance, demilitarize
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