# tivoization

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈtiːvəʊ.ɪˌzeɪʃən/

## Definitions
1. The creation of a system that incorporates software under the terms of a copyleft software license, but uses hardware to prevent users from running modified versions of the software on that hardware.

## Etymology
From TiVo + -ization. Coined by Richard Stallman in 2007, in reference to TiVo's use of GNU GPL-licensed software on the TiVo brand digital video recorders.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/tivoization