politicize

verb

po·​lit·​i·​cize pə-ˈli-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce politicize (audio)
politicized; politicizing

transitive verb

: to give a political tone or character to
an attempt to politicize the civil service
politicization noun

Examples of politicize in a Sentence

They have politicized the budget process.
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.
In patriarchal, white supremacist systems that regard beauty as capital, Black women’s bodies have always been deeply politicized. Akilah Sailers, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025 Critics, meanwhile, accuse her of politicizing childhood. Samantha Barry, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025 After the news was announced in September, politicians and social media users politicized Bad Bunny's upcoming performance. Pamela Avila, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025 South Africa accused the US of politicizing trade talks, rebuffing Washington’s pressure to scrap Black empowerment laws the White House argues are unfair. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for politicize

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ize

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of politicize was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Politicize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politicize. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!