# anthropomorphise

/ˌænθɹəpəˈmɔɹfaɪz/ (US) · /ˈænθɹəpˌɒmɔːfˌaɪz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anthropomorphise
Updated: 2026-09-26

## Definition

to treat an animal, object, or god as if they have human feelings and thoughts.

For teachers: to attribute human characteristics, motivations, or behaviours to non-human entities, such as animals or inanimate objects.

## Examples

- People often anthropomorphise their pets by imagining they feel guilt.
- It is easy to anthropomorphise the robot when it makes sounds that mimic a human sigh of frustration.
- While it is tempting to anthropomorphise the complex social structures of ants, biologists warn that their collective behaviour is driven by chemical signals rather than human-like empathy.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.