Pronunciation: [pjˈʊɹɪtˌana͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The verb "Puritanize", which means to make more strict or puritanical, is spelled with a "u" after the "r" instead of an "i" as may be expected. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈpjʊrɪtənaɪz/, where the "yoo" sound is represented by the letter "u". This spelling differentiates it from the word "puritanise", which is the British English spelling of the same term, using an "i" instead of a "u".
Puritanize (verb) refers to the act of imposing or instilling Puritan beliefs, values, or practices onto someone or something, often with a strict or rigid emphasis on moral righteousness and religious conformity. The term originated from the noun "Puritan," which refers to a member of a religious reform movement that emerged in the sixteenth-century England.
When something is "puritanized," it means that it is subjected to the puritanical principles of the Puritans. This could involve suppressing or censoring certain behaviors, beliefs, or forms of expression that do not align with their strict moral code. For example, puritanizing a society may involve implementing laws that restrict activities considered sinful or immoral, such as banning certain forms of entertainment or imposing strict dress codes.
Moreover, puritanizing can also refer to an individual or group adopting a Puritan mindset or lifestyle voluntarily. This may include adhering to abstemious behavior or adopting a strong sense of religious devotion and self-discipline in various aspects of life.
While the term "puritanize" often carries a negative connotation, implying a rigid or repressive approach to morality and societal norms, it can also be used neutrally or positively to describe a deliberate choice to embrace Puritan values and practices as a personal or group preference.
The word "Puritanize" is derived from the noun "Puritan", which refers to a member of a 16th-17th century English Protestant reformist group known as the Puritans. The Puritans sought to "purify" the Church of England from what they considered to be remnants of Catholicism. The suffix "-ize" is added to the noun "Puritan" to form the verb "Puritanize", meaning to impose or instill Puritan beliefs, practices, or values upon something or someone.
