Corinthianize
/ˌkɒrɪnˈθaɪənaɪz/noun
To make or become luxurious, extravagant, or morally dissolute.
Did you know?In classical Greek, Corinth’s reputation became so notorious that korinthiazesthai—literally “to act like a Corinthian”—was used for sexual immorality and extravagant living.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Κορινθιάζεσθαι (korinthiazesthai)
“To behave like a Corinthian; to live luxuriously or licentiously.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Κόρινθος (Korinthos)
“Corinth, the ancient Greek city whose wealth and reputation for luxury shaped the later moral sense.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Κορίνθιος (Korinthios)
“Corinthian; associated with the people or culture of Corinth.”
16th Century
English
Corinthian
“A person or thing associated with Corinth; later, a symbol of luxury or dissipation.”
19th Century
English
Corinthianize
“To make luxurious or morally corrupt, or to indulge in extravagant and dissolute living.”
Modern English
English
Corinthianize
“To become or make Corinthian in the figurative sense: extravagant, luxurious, or licentious.”
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