intellectualize

verb

in·​tel·​lec·​tu·​al·​ize ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce intellectualize (audio)
-chə-ˌlīz,
-shwə-ˌlīz,
-chü(-ə)-ˌlīz
intellectualized; intellectualizing

transitive verb

: to give rational form or content to
intellectualization
ˌin-tə-ˌlek-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce intellectualize (audio)
-chə-lə-
-shwə-lə-
-chü(-ə)-lə-
noun
intellectualizer
ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce intellectualize (audio)
-chə-ˌlī-
-shwə-ˌlī-
-chü(-ə)-ˌlī-
noun

Examples of intellectualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Sit with your feelings before intellectualizing them. Anna Borges, SELF, 9 Sep. 2024 It wasn’t thought out or intellectualized, just sheer emotion. Holly Alvarado, Orange County Register, 27 June 2024 Jarmusch is entirely supportive but seems to be still intellectualizing it. Carl Swanson, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2024 Einstürzende Neubauten have always been expert conceptualists — true artists who create works meant to be interpreted and felt more than to be intellectualized. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024 There are some things that cannot be intellectualized, and indeed the attempt to do so cheapens them. Nicholas Gallagher, Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2024 Levi doesn’t intellectualize it like that, doesn’t have a straightforward intention. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2023 The source coding practice is best for people who overthink and intellectualize problems instead of finding a solution. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 July 2023 That somatic return is a common theme in trauma psychology, which suggests that lasting stressors will lead people to intellectualize and lose touch with physicality. Courtney Tenz, Washington Post, 29 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellectualize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectualize was circa 1792

Dictionary Entries Near intellectualize

Cite this Entry

“Intellectualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectualize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

intellectualize

transitive verb
in·​tel·​lec·​tu·​al·​ize
variants or chiefly British intellectualise
intellectualized or chiefly British intellectualised; intellectualizing or chiefly British intellectualising
1
: to give rational form or content to
2
: to avoid conscious recognition of the emotional basis of (an act or feeling) by substituting a superficially plausible explanation
conflicts that are intellectualizedL. E. Hinsie
intellectualization noun
or chiefly British intellectualisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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