Definition of "capitalize"

capitalize

/ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/

verb
third-person singular simple present capitalizes, present participle capitalizing, simple past and past participle capitalized
1. (transitive) In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case.
2. (transitive, business, finance) To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.
  Quotations
  To have any hope of success a new venture must be properly capitalized.
  1990 April 7, 9, “Irish Gay Mag To Begin Publication”, in Gay Community News, page 9
3. (transitive, finance) To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.
4. (transitive, accounting, taxation) To treat as capital, not as an expense.
5. (intransitive) To profit or to obtain an advantage.
6. (intransitive, followed by on) To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit from; to invest on something profitable.