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

But have there been times when the medical consensus has been politicized, has been taken over by ideology? —ABC News, 7 Oct. 2025

Roan’s Kansas City shows come at a time when the rights of trans folks have been politicized now more than ever — locally and nationally. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2025

Until the 2025 Upper House election, immigration was never politicized in election campaigns, but that changed as the upstart Sanseito won 15 seats on the back of its anti-globalization, anti-immigration stance. —Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025

Her death became increasingly politicized after footage of the stabbing went viral on social media. —Mary Ramsey updated September 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025

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