Definition of politicize
politicized
;politicizing
transitive verb
: to give a political tone or character to an attempt to politicize the civil service
People Are Reading
Examples of politicize in a Sentence
They have politicized the budget process.
Recent Examples of politicize from the Web
-
Certain issues should be taken out of the political discussion domain and not be politicized.
-
In practice, this means they are heavily politicized, influenced by governing-party politicians rather than evenhandedly enforcing the law.
-
Politicizing the Texas Education Agency, which oversees the education of children in public schools, would be a monumental mistake.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'politicize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Sexual harassment was once seen as a private matter, but in the 1980s and '90s it became thoroughly politicized, with women loudly pressuring lawmakers to make it illegal. So, at the same time, the issue of sexual harassment politicized many women, who began to take an interest in political action because of it. In other words, we may speak of an issue becoming politicized, but also of a person or group becoming politicized.
1846
First Known Use of politicize
1846
POLITICIZE Defined for English Language Learners
politicize
playDefinition of politicize for English Language Learners
-
: to relate (an idea, issue, etc.) to politics in a way that makes people less likely to agree
-
: to cause (someone) to become involved or interested in government or politics
Learn More about politicize
-
See words that rhyme with politicize Britannica English: Translation of politicize for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up politicize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!