1. To come into existence; become real: Their support on the eastern flank did not materialize.

2. To appear, especially suddenly: "As they plunged down the highway, hazy purple mountains materialized" (Tom Bissell). See Synonyms at appear.

3. To take physical form or shape. Used especially of a spirit or ghost.

1. To cause to become real or actual: By building the house, we materialized a dream.

2. To cause to become materialistic: "Inequality has the natural and necessary effect ... of materializing our upper class, vulgarizing our middle class, and brutalizing our lower class" (Matthew Arnold).