Definition of "localize" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To make local; to fix in, or assign to, a definite place.

   • The intent of the aphorism "think globally, act locally" was to spur action by localizing the challenge.

2. (software engineering, marketing, transitive) To adapt (a product or service) for use in a particular country or region, typically by translating text into the language of that country and modifying currencies, date formats, etc.

   • We need to localize our software for the Japanese market.

3. (translation studies, chiefly software, marketing) To adapt translated text to fit a local culture; to domesticate.

   • the ethical dilemma faced when to localize is to self-censor

4. (intransitive, often with to) To be located in or confined to; to fix upon or sequester in a locality.

   • After a brief systemic phase defeated by the immune system, the infection localized to certain areas where it went dormant.

5. (transitive, sometimes proscribed) To determine where something takes place or is to be found.

   • After exploratory surgery, the extent of the problem was localized to the left lower quadrant.

6. (algebra, transitive) To produce (from a ring and an ideal in that ring) the ring of fractions, where the set of allowed denominators is the compliment of the given ideal.