intellectualize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to seek or consider the rational content or form of.
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to make intellectual.
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to analyze (something) intellectually or rationally.
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to ignore the emotional or psychological significance of (an action, feeling, dream, etc.) by an excessively intellectual or abstract explanation.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to make or become intellectual
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(tr) to treat or consider in an intellectual way; rationalize
Other Word Forms
- intellectualization noun
- intellectualizer noun
- overintellectualization noun
- overintellectualize verb
- semi-intellectualized adjective
Etymology
Origin of intellectualize
First recorded in 1810–20; intellectual + -ize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“If you’re able to intellectualize that information and verbalize, this isn’t for you,” she says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025
“I think I was trying to intellectualize my feelings to get away from being vulnerable,” she says.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025
You can sit back afterward and intellectualize everything, but when you’re watching it, even when it’s weird, it makes logical sense.
From Salon • Feb. 24, 2025
“I could intellectualize it to no end,” Kasdan said.
From New York Times • Dec. 24, 2021
How people who can’t face their own negative emotions intellectualize things?
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
