change, take the form of, influence, enchant, delude, -ization
化 centers on transformation: changing form, influencing something to become different, or taking on a new state. The senses of enchanting, deluding, and -ization are natural extensions of causing a change in perception or condition.
to take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.); to assume the shape of; to turn oneself into; to transform oneself into
culture; civilization; civilisation
change; variation; alteration; mutation; transition; transformation
strengthening; intensifying; reinforcement; enhancement; solidification
evolution
chemistry
deterioration; getting worse; worsening; aggravation; degeneration; corruption
make-up; makeup; cosmetics
digestion (of food)
deterioration (in quality, performance, etc.); degradation; worsening
oxidation; oxidization
purification
fossil
cultural assets; cultural property
chemical combination
carbon dioxide; CO2
ghost; apparition
goblin; apparition; monster; ghost; phantom; spectre; specter
ageing; aging; senile deterioration
to deceive; to cheat; to swindle
electrification
hardening; vulcanization; vulcanisation; sclerosis; curing
naturalization; naturalisation
intensification; aggravation
化 combines 亻 (person) with 匕, which originally depicted a person turning or changing posture. Together they express the idea of a person undergoing transformation or change.
A person 亻 beside a turning figure 匕: imagine someone spinning and changing into a new form, like a magical transformation.
For カ, picture a car transforming into a robot: car -> カ, and the car changes shape completely.