federalize

verb

fed·​er·​al·​ize ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce federalize (audio)
federalized; federalizing

transitive verb

1
: to unite in or under a federal system
2
: to bring under the jurisdiction of a federal government

Examples of federalize in a Sentence

The measure federalizes several state programs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The judges in each of those appeals ultimately ruled that the president has the power to federalize the state’s National Guard, but does not have unilateral power to deploy the troops. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 Trump federalized about 300 members of the Illinois National Guard and about 400 from the Texas National Guard. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 After weeks of fighting between the two, Trump federalized the Illinois National Guard – a highly unusual move — and worked with Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott to send hundreds of his state's Guard to Illinois. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 In Oregon, a federal judge similarly found that the President did not have the authority to federalize the Guard there, but that ruling could also end up being overturned by higher courts. Erin Neil, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for federalize

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of federalize was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Federalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalize. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

federalize

verb
fed·​er·​al·​ize ˈfed-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce federalize (audio)
federalized; federalizing
: to unite in or under a federal system of authority
federalization
ˌfed-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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