
verb (used with object), per·son·i·fied, per·son·i·fy·ing.
- to attribute human nature or character to (an inanimate object or an abstraction), as in speech or writing.
- to represent (a thing or abstraction) in the form of a person, as in art.
- to embody (a quality, idea, etc.) in a real person or a concrete thing.
- to be an embodiment or incarnation of; typify: He personifies the ruthless ambition of some executives.
- to personate.
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)
- to attribute human characteristics to (a thing or abstraction)
- to represent (an abstract quality) in human or animal form
- (of a person or thing) to represent (an abstract quality), as in art or literature
- to be the embodiment of
v.1727 “to attribute personal form to things or abstractions” (especially as an artistic or literary technique), from person + -fy or from French personnifier (17c.), from personne. Meaning “to represent, embody” attested from 1806. Related: Personified; personifying.