intellectualize

[ in-tl-ek-choo-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˌɪn tlˈɛk tʃu əˌlaɪz /

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 make intellectual.
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.

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

Origin of intellectualize

First recorded in 1810–20; intellectual + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM intellectualize

Words nearby intellectualize

intellectual, intellectual property, intellectualism, intellectuality, intellectualization, intellectualize, intellectually handicapped, intelligence, intelligence agency, intelligence office, intelligence officer
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for intellectualization

British Dictionary definitions for intellectualization

intellectualize

intellectualise

/ (ˌɪntɪˈlɛktʃʊəˌlaɪz) /

verb

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

Derived forms of intellectualize

intellectualization 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

Medical definitions for intellectualization (1 of 2)

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.

Medical definitions for intellectualization (2 of 2)

intellectualize
[ ĭn′tl-ĕk′chōō-ə-līz′ ]

v.

To furnish a rational structure or meaning for.
To engage in intellectualization.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.