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.
State governors command National Guard forces for domestic emergencies, but units can be federalized for national missions. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Jan. 2026 The White House federalized Washington’s police force, deployed National Guard troops from six states and the federal district across the capital’s streets and surged federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security into neighborhoods. Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The National Guard in blue states began to defect after being federalized by the president, loosening his hold on the military. Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026 The 1807 law allows the president to federalize the National Guard and law enforcement against the will of state leaders. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2026 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 Feb. 2026.

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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