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

Years of authoritarian consolidation have hollowed out state institutions, politicized the military, weakened the judiciary and fragmented political opposition. —Cristina Guevara, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

Critics accuse him of enabling repression and politicizing the armed forces, while supporters portray him as a stabilizing figure. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

In his statement, Walz defended the actions his administration has taken to thwart and prosecute fraud and accused Republicans of politicizing the scandal. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Critics may worry that a mayor serving on the MTA Board would politicize the agency or blur lines of authority. —Jay Walder, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 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