HAUSSMANNIZE

PRONUNCIATION: (HAUS-muh-nyz)

MEANING: verb tr.: To redevelop or rebuild an area, especially on a massive scale.

ETYMOLOGY: Coined after Georges-Eugène Haussman (1809-1891) who was appointed by Napoleon III to carry out the renovation of Paris. Earliest documented use: 1865.

NOTES: Haussmann carried out a massive overhaul of Paris that involved demolishing whole neighborhoods. The new Paris had, among other things, widened, tree-lined boulevards, new parks, fountains, sewers, aqueducts, and more. His renovation of Paris inspired other cities around the world to carry out similar overhauls. Haussmann was forced out as opposition to him swelled, due to huge disruption of life (some 20,000 buildings were destroyed) and cost overruns.
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HAUSSMANNITE - 1. inhabiant of the town of Haussmann . 2. a rare ore found in certain meteorites

RAUSSMANNIZE - to be summarily tossed out of bed by a German drill sergeant

MAUSSMANNIZE - to be beaten up by a Mighty Mouse's European cousin