Naturalize

usgb/ˈnætʃrəlaɪz/
verb

To give rights of citizenship to a foreign person.

She was naturalized as a U.S. citizen last year.
Visual representation of "naturalize" - To give rights of citizenship to a foreign person

Often appears as...

  • naturalized citizen
  • naturalized as a citizen

Usage tips

Formal

Legal

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "naturalize"
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Legal Process

Naturalize in this context refers to an official legal process involving an application and approval.

Illustration for Legal Process
After meeting the residency requirement, he applied to naturalize.
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Not Instant

Becoming a naturalized citizen usually takes several years; it's not an instant change.

Illustration for Not Instant
She lived in the country for five years before she could naturalize.
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Ceremony

Often, naturalization includes a ceremony where new citizens swear allegiance to their new country.

Illustration for Ceremony
After naturalizing, he attended a ceremony to pledge loyalty to the flag.
Visual representation of the word "Naturalize"

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