radicalize

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

Examples of radicalize in a Sentence

The war has radicalized an entire generation of young people.

Recent Examples on the Web

The complaint alleges that Bowie, who converted to Islam five years ago and became radicalized online, spent a month communicating with an ISIS facilitator who was actually an undercover operative working with the FBI. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

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