liberalize

especially British, lib·er·al·ise

[lib-er-uh-lahyz, lib-ruh-]

verb (used with or without object)

liberalized, liberalizing 

1. to make or become liberal.

liberalize

/ ˈlɪbərəˌlaɪz, ˈlɪbrə- /

verb

1. to make or become liberal

Other Word Forms

• liberalization noun
• liberalizer noun
• overliberalize verb
• unliberalized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberalize¹

First recorded in 1765–75; liberal + -ize

Example Sentences

Denmark recently liberalized its abortion law, raising the right to obtain abortion upon request to up to 18 weeks of pregnancy from 12 weeks, beginning June 1.

From Los Angeles Times

The liberalizing of India’s economy in the 1990s laid the foundation for the remarkable growth since, with millions escaping poverty and spawning a middle class.

From Seattle Times

Attitudes on race, immigration, and gender have liberalized dramatically in recent decades, including among working-class whites.

From Salon

Leaders decided to stand athwart a liberalizing Orange County instead of adapt.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Poland’s parliament held a long-awaited debate on liberalizing the country’s restrictive law last month — although many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad.

From Seattle Times