politicize

[ puh-lit-uh-sahyz ]

/ pəˈlɪt əˌsaɪz /

verb (used with object), po·lit·i·cized, po·lit·i·ciz·ing.

to bring a political character or flavor to; make political: to politicize a private dispute.

verb (used without object), po·lit·i·cized, po·lit·i·ciz·ing.

to engage in or discuss politics.

Nearby words

political system, politicalize, politically correct, politically incorrect, politician, politicize, politick, politicking, politico, politico-, politics

Also especially British, po·lit·i·cise.

Origin of politicize

First recorded in 1750–60; politic(al) + -ize

Related forms

po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, nounde·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, nounde·po·lit·i·cize, verb (used with object), de·po·lit·i·cized, de·po·lit·i·ciz·ing.non·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, noun

Can be confused

politicize politick

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for depoliticize

There is word that this done deliberately, to depoliticize the exhibits.
Rudy Giuliani on His 9/11 Bluff, the Museum Controversy and the Rise of ISIS|Josh Robin|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is a suggestion that the investigation of the case was farmed out to a "neutral" province to depoliticize the process.
Will Gu Kailai Get the Death Penalty?|The Telegraph|July 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for depoliticize (1 of 2)

depoliticize

depoliticise

/ (ˌdiːpəˈlɪtɪˌsaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to deprive of a political nature; render apoliticaltwo years on the committee totally depoliticized him

British Dictionary definitions for depoliticize (2 of 2)

politicize

politicise

/ (pəˈlɪtɪˌsaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to render political in tone, interest, or awareness

(intr) to participate in political discussion or activity

Derived Forms

politicization or politicisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012