1. to place something in its historical context or to treat it as a historical phenomenon
Usage: academic; formal
2. to make something appear historical or to give it historical significance
Usage: formal

Examples

• The scholar sought to historicize the literary movement within its social context.
• Critics argue that the museum tends to historicize contemporary art too quickly.
• We need to historicize these events to understand their true significance.
• The documentary attempts to historicize the civil rights era for modern audiences.
• Historians often historicize cultural practices to show how they evolved over time.
• The professor warned against trying to historicize events that are still unfolding.