radicalize

1 of 2

verb

rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈra-di-kə-ˌlīz 

radicalized; radicalizing

transitive verb

: to make radical especially in politics

radicalization

ˌra-di-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

radicalization

2 of 2

noun

rad·​i·​cal·​i·​za·​tion ˌra-di-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌlī-ˈzā-

plural -s

: the act or process of radicalizing or the condition of being radicalized

Examples of radicalize in a Sentence

Verb

The war has radicalized an entire generation of young people.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Sometimes, institutional veterans are radicalized by their frustration with the status quo. — Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026

The godless ’60s had radicalized many Christians who saw the toxic stew of drugs, rock ’n’ roll, and shallow commercialism as a sign of the end times and vowed to reverse the demonic tide. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

The administration failed to heed warnings that Iran was stronger militarily, more radicalized, and held more strategic and geographic influence. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

radicalize + -ation

First Known Use

Verb

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for radicalize

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

Kids Definition

radicalize

verb

rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈrad-i-kə-ˌlīz 

radicalized; radicalizing

: to make radical