intellectualize

[in-tl-ek-choo-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object), in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.

to seek or consider the rational content or form of.

to analyze (something) intellectually or rationally.

to ignore the emotional or psychological significance of (an action, feeling, dream, etc.) by an excessively intellectual or abstract explanation.

verb (used without object), in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.

to talk or write intellectually; reason; philosophize: to intellectualize about world problems.

Also especially British, in·tel·lec·tu·al·ise.

Origin of intellectualize

First recorded in 1810–20; intellectual + -ize

Related formsin·tel·lec·tu·al·i·za·tion, nounin·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·er, nouno·ver·in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·za·tion, nouno·ver·in·tel·lec·tu·al·ize, verb, o·ver·in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, o·ver·in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.sem·i-in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for intellectualization

Contemporary Examples of intellectualization

No amount of theorizing or intellectualization can get around the impact of that change.
Can Rand Bring Blacks Back to the GOP?
James Poulos
July 18, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for intellectualization

intellectualize

intellectualise

verb

to make or become intellectual

(tr) to treat or consider in an intellectual way; rationalize

Derived Formsintellectualization or intellectualisation, nounintellectualizer or intellectualiser, 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

Word Origin and History for intellectualization

1821, noun of action from intellectualize.

intellectualize

1819, from intellectual + -ize. Related: Intellectualized; intellectualizing.

intellectualization in Medicine

intellectualization

[ĭn′tl-ĕk′chōō-ə-lĭ-zā′shən]

n.

The act or process of intellectualizing.

An unconscious means of protecting oneself from the emotional stress and anxiety associated with confronting painful personal fears or problems by excessive reasoning.

intellectualize

[ĭn′tl-ĕk′chōō-ə-līz′]

v.

To furnish a rational structure or meaning for.

To engage in intellectualization.