a|pos|tro|phize

a|pos|tro|phize¹ «uh POS truh fyz», transitive verb, intransitive verb, -phized, -phiz|ing.

1. to mark with an apostrophe or apostrophes.

2. to write or print using an apostrophe or apostrophes.

╂[< apostrophe¹ + -ize]

a|pos|tro|phize ² «uh POS truh fyz», verb, -phized, -phiz|ing.

–intransitive verb.

to stop, especially in a speech or poem, and address some absent person as if he or she were present or a thing or idea as if it could appreciate what is said.

–transitive verb.

to address an apostrophe to: »

Shakespeare apostrophizes judgment in these words: “Oh, judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts.”

╂[< apostrophe ² + -ize]