canalize

views updated

can·al·ize / ˈkanəlˌīz/ • v. [tr.] convert (a river) into a navigable canal. ∎  convey (something) through a duct or channel. ∎ fig. give a direction or purpose to (something): his strategy was to canalize the enthusiasm of the diehards into party channels.DERIVATIVES: ca·nal·i·za·tion / ˌkanl-əˈzāshən/ n.