marginalize

[mahr-juh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object), mar·gin·al·ized, mar·gin·al·iz·ing.

to place in a position of marginal importance, influence, or power: the government's attempts to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence.

Also especially British, mar·gin·al·ise.

Origin of marginalize

1825–35 for an earlier sense; marginal + -ize

Related formsmar·gin·al·i·za·tion, noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for marginalise

marginalize

marginalise

verb

(tr) to relegate to the fringes, out of the mainstream; make seem unimportantvarious economic assumptions marginalize women

Derived Formsmarginalization or marginalisation, 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 marginalise

chiefly British English spelling of marginalize (q.v.); for suffix, see -ize. Related: marginalisation; marginalised; marginalising.

marginalize

1832, "to make marginal notes," from marginal + -ize. The meaning "force into a position of powerlessness" attested by 1929. Related: Marginalized; marginalizing.