radicalize

verb

rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈra-di-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce radicalize (audio)
radicalized; radicalizing

transitive verb

: to make radical especially in politics
radicalization noun

Examples of radicalize in a Sentence

The war has radicalized an entire generation of young people.
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.
The perpetrator, the reports are, was radicalized by pro-Nazi, anti-Semitic propaganda online. ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025 The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Desmond was radicalized, but has not provided any additional details on that radicalization or its impact on Wednesday’s attack. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025 His killing could become not just a tragedy but a catalyst—an event that radicalizes ever more Americans, less an aberration than a feature of our increasingly perilous national politics. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025 The first such briefing, back in December 2010, focused on my research on how Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups were using YouTube to radicalize young people in the West. Steven Stalinsky, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radicalize

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radicalize was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Radicalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radicalize. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

radicalize

verb
rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈrad-i-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce radicalize (audio)
radicalized; radicalizing
: to make radical

More from Merriam-Webster on radicalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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