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’m a psychologist and so the way I manage any negative feelings is to intellectualize: I think about the causes and context of a situation.
From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024
Levi doesn’t intellectualize it like that, doesn’t have a straightforward intention.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023
“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.
