stylize

/ˌstaɪˈlaɪz/

Other forms: stylized; stylizing; stylizes

The verb stylize means to represent something according to a particular format or structure, rather than the rules of nature. You won't recognize yourself in these photographs because the photographer used a computer program and stylized everyone to look like stick figures.

Stylize is from the word style, which is itself from the Latin word stilus, which means a set manner of expression or writing. Other words from the same root word include stylization, stylus, and stiletto. You may prefer your detective movies to be realistic, rather than the stylized works of film noir.

Definitions of stylize

1. verb

   represent according to a conventional style
   “a stylized female head”

   synonyms: conventionalize, stylise

   type of:

   interpret, represent

   create an image or likeness of