pathologize

verb

pa·​thol·​o·​gize pə-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz 

pathologized; pathologizing

transitive verb

: to view or characterize as medically or psychologically abnormal

natural hormonal shifts have been pathologized

—Joyce C. Mills

Examples of pathologize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The expansion of the genre tracks the broadening acceptability of erotic inclinations that were previously pathologized (and, at times, criminalized). —Lily Burana, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025

Sherman, by contrast, doesn’t pathologize these desires. —Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

Instead of nurturing curiosity or compassion, it’s used to pathologize you and shut down valid feedback. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

Redefining Motherhood and Business Ownership Single motherhood in the Black community has long been politicized and pathologized, yet Black women continue to defy stereotypes, navigating both boardrooms and baby bottles with grace and grit. —Essence, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

pathology + -ize

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pathologize

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

Medical Definition

pathologize

transitive verb

pa·​thol·​o·​gize

variants or chiefly British pathologise

-ˌjīz

pathologized or chiefly British pathologised; pathologizing or chiefly British pathologising

: to view or characterize as medically or psychologically abnormal

natural hormonal shifts have been pathologized

—Joyce C. Mills

pathologizing childhood behavior

—Ruth Shalit

pathologization noun

or chiefly British pathologisation

pə-ˌthäl-ə-jə-ˈzā-shən