politicize

verb

po·​lit·​i·​cize pə-ˈli-tə-ˌsīz 

politicized; politicizing

transitive verb

: to give a political tone or character to

an attempt to politicize the civil service

politicization

pə-ˌli-tə-sə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of politicize in a Sentence

They have politicized the budget process.

Recent Examples on the Web

Antell has seen it before, as past corporate consolidation has reduced and politicized access to archival news footage. — Addie Morfoot, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026

Many performers said that the arts center had become politicized. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

While her successor, Markwayne Mullin, has worked to reverse some of the upheaval, Democrats are accusing Trump of politicizing disaster relief. — Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

The Justice Department didn't respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on accusations that it is increasingly politicized. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ize

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for politicize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize