philippize

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈfɪlɪpʌɪz/

Etymology 1

From Ancient Greek Φιλιππίζειν (Philippízein), from Φίλιππος (Phílippos), the name of Philip II of Macedon.

Verb

philippize (third-person singular simple present philippizes, present participle philippizing, simple past and past participle philippized)

1. (now rare, historical) To support or advocate the cause of Philip of Macedon; (more generally) to speak as someone who has been wrongly inspired or corrupted. [from 16th c.]
   • 1790, Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, Oxford, published 2009, page 11:

     I know they set him up as a sort of oracle; because, with the best intentions in the world, he naturally philippizes, and chaunts his prophetic song in exact unison with their designs.

Usage notes

• Originally used with reference to the Priestess of Apollo, who was said to deliver oracles in Philip's favour when he was in control of Delphi.

Etymology 2

From philipp(ic) +‎ -ize.

Verb

philippize (third-person singular simple present philippizes, present participle philippizing, simple past and past participle philippized)

1. (obsolete) To write or speak in the style of a philippic; to rant. [19th c.]
   • 1864, The Knickerbocker: Or, New-York Monthly Magazine:

     I feel tempted, just here, to philippize the press. It needs castigation, but this will never prove effective, because a portion of the evil lies in the popular appetite.