organize

especially British, or·gan·ise

[awr-guh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

organized, organizing 

1. to form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action.

   to organize a committee.

   Synonyms: frame, dispose
   Antonyms: destroy

2. to systematize.

   to organize the files of an office.

   Synonyms: order

3. to give organic structure or character to.

   Cells become differentiated and organized into tissues.

4. to enlist or attempt to enlist into a labor union.

   to organize workers.

5. to enlist the employees of (a company) into a labor union; unionize.

   to organize a factory.

6. Informal.,  to put (oneself ) in a state of mental competence to perform a task.

   We can't have any slip-ups, so you'd better get organized.

verb (used without object)

organized, organizing 

1. to combine in an organized company, party, or the like.

2. to form a labor union.

   Management resisted all efforts to organize.

3. to assume organic structure.

organize

/ ˈɔːɡəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to form (parts or elements of something) into a structured whole; coordinate

2. (tr) to arrange methodically or in order

3. (tr) to provide with an organic structure

4. (tr) to enlist (the workers) of (a factory, concern, or industry) in a trade union

5. (intr) to join or form an organization or trade union

6. informal,  (tr) to put (oneself) in an alert and responsible frame of mind

Other Word Forms

• organizable adjective
• organizability noun
• misorganize verb
• outorganize verb (used with object)
• preorganize verb
• unorganizable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of organize¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin organizāre “to contrive, arrange,” equivalent to organ(um) organ + -izāre -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of organize¹

C15: from Medieval Latin organizare, from Latin organum _organ

Example Sentences

To make it harder for him, the survivors got organized and are shoving this controversy right back in the public eye.

From Salon

Following Violet’s passing, Isobel has taken up the mantle to organize the county fair — a job that comes with some challenges.

From Los Angeles Times

The goal, the statement said, “is to work together to dismantle transnational organized crime through enhanced cooperation.”

From Los Angeles Times

The project has also amassed broad support from organized labor, especially the region’s construction trade unions, which say it would create thousands of jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

He started organizing cleanups and group hikes just for fun at first.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• construct 
• coordinate 
• create 
• establish 
• form 
• formulate 
• regulate 
• run 
• set up