radicalize

American  

[rad-i-kuh-lahyz] / ˈræd ɪ kəˌlaɪz /

especially British, radicalise

verb (used with object)

radicalized, radicalizing

1. to make radical or more radical, as in politics.

   young people who are being radicalized by extremist philosophies.

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verb (used without object)

radicalized, radicalizing

1. to become radical or more radical.

   The regime has increasingly radicalized since the coup.

radicalize British  

/ ˈrædɪkəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make (a person) more radical

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Other Word Forms

• radicalization noun

Etymology

Origin of radicalize

First recorded in 1815–20; radical + -ize

Example Sentences

This would radicalize even the most principled 20-something.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

They get circulated on an endless loop in real time and those images can both revolt but also radicalize.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

Citing its street-level, human examination of how authoritarianism can radicalize average people, Tracy Brown says, “‘Andor’ is not only one of the best ‘Star Wars’ stories but one of the best TV shows around.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

That trust is built on his acumen to educate, but also, his talent to radicalize you.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2025

“There are people who are harmful and they’re trying to radicalize our children and we cannot ignore this,” Adams said.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024