Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

urbanize

verb

/ˈərbənˌīz/

Definition

To make an area more urban in character, especially by the development of infrastructure, population growth, and the establishment of a city-like environment.

Examples

As more people moved to the city, the surrounding towns began to urbanize quickly.
Urbanizing rural landscapes can have both positive and negative environmental impacts.
The government plans to urbanize several regions to accommodate the increasing population.

Meaning

Urbanize refers to the process of transforming rural or less populated areas into more densely populated urban areas. It often involves the development of housing, transportation systems, and other infrastructure that support city life.