theatrize, v.
(ˈθiːətraɪz)
[ad. Gr. θεατρίζ-ειν to make a spectacle of, f. θέᾱτρον in the sense ‘show, spectacle’; also intr. as in 2: see -ize.]
† 1. trans. To make a spectacle or show of. Obs.
| 1678 J. Brown Life of Faith (1824) I. i. 13 They were exposed to..public shame..when made open spectacles and theatrized. 1679 Ibid. II. xiv. 297 We read of some..who were theatrized, brought to open scaffolds. 1711 Hickes Two Treat. Chr. Priesth. (1847) I. 279 He endeavours to expose and theatrize us. |
2. intr. To act theatrically, play a part.
| 1839 Watchman 18 Sept., The Pope's militia..can splendidly theatrize in Protestant England. |
3. trans. To make theatrical or dramatic: to dramatize. rare.
| 1888 Scribner's Mag. Oct. 439/1 It became necessary to ‘theatreize’ or idealize history. |