Medize
/ˈmiːdaɪz/noun
To favor or adopt the customs of the Medes or Persians, especially in opposition to ancient Greece.
Did you know?Herodotus called Greek supporters of Persia “Medizers,” even though the Persian Empire—not merely the Medes—was the power they supported.
Etymological Timeline
1st millennium BCE
Old Persian
Māda
“The Medes, an Iranian people and kingdom east of Mesopotamia”
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Μηδίζω (mēdízō)
“To act like a Mede or favor the Medes and Persians”
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Μηδισμός (mēdismós)
“Medism; sympathy with the Medes or Persian power”
16th Century
Latin/Greek-derived English
medizare
“To side with or imitate the Medes; a learned form associated with the Greek verb”
1590s
English
medize
“To favor Persia or adopt Persian customs”
Modern English
English
medize
“To support or imitate the Medes or Persians, generally in historical contexts”