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.
And why was it assumed that lifetime appointments to the highest court in the land freed those individuals from politicizing their positions? Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 The Dalai Lama, countering this claim, insisted his reincarnation would be born outside China and accused Beijing of attempting to politicize what has always been a spiritual process. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 According to their analysis, the changes appear to be part of a broader effort to politicize disaster aid, disproportionately affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations. Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Habba’s involvement has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accuse the Trump administration of politicizing federal prosecutions. Essence, 26 June 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 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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