politicize

verb

po·​lit·​i·​cize pə-ˈli-tə-ˌsīz 

politicized; politicizing

transitive verb

: to give a political tone or character to

an attempt to politicize the civil service

politicization

pə-ˌli-tə-sə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of politicize in a Sentence

They have politicized the budget process.

Recent Examples on the Web

The research enterprise, the crown jewel of American innovation, that would tell us what actually works for mental health is being both hollowed out and politicized. — Sunny Patel, STAT, 17 July 2026

Several musical artists withdrew from the fair in May, arguing that what was presented as a nonpartisan celebration had become politicized. — Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Term limits would politicize the judiciary further and risk turning it into another partisan branch. — Brent Andersen, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

That’s on top of fears around politicizing agencies like the Postal Service to play referee on who can receive a mail-in ballot, as well as concerns about how the government may use voter data. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ize

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for politicize

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