marginalize

[ mahr-juh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mar·gin·al·ized, mar·gin·al·iz·ing.

1. to place in a position of minor or marginal importance, significance, relevance, or effect:

   The government is attempting to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence.

2. to isolate or exclude from the dominant culture; perceive or treat as being on the fringes of a society or group:

   All of these policies have marginalized our vulnerable sisters and brothers for their religion, skin color, or sexual orientation.

marginalize

/ ˈmɑːdʒɪnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to relegate to the fringes, out of the mainstream; make seem unimportant

   various economic assumptions marginalize women

Derived Forms

• ˌmarginaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mar·gin·al·i·za·tion [mahr-j, uh, -nl-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n] especially British, mar·gin·al·i·sa·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marginalize¹

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

Example Sentences

I always knew that I wanted to amplify the voices of those who had been silenced and marginalized.

From Fortune

The group is working with local partners across the country to get seeds to disadvantaged or marginalized communities, places that were dealing with food insecurity before the coronavirus hit.

From Eater

Native language materials are essential, since many new citizens, especially in already marginalized communities, have challenges with English.

From FiveThirtyEight

The campaign aims to raise $500 million to address economic and health disparities in marginalized communities.

From Essence.com

As a result, such research is marginalized at major conferences.

From MIT Technology Review

We must, however, remain vigilant in our efforts to marginalize the voices of intolerance.

From The Daily Beast

The NFL did its best to discredit and marginalize Omalu's discovery.

From The Daily Beast

McCain warns Republicans that without immigration reform they will further marginalize themselves as a party.

From The Daily Beast

But not their solutions, which usually marginalize Purim by limiting it to a play date for the kids.

From The Daily Beast

We've got four more years of chances for smilin' Joe to return to full form and thoroughly marginalize himself.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• deprecate
• diminish
• disparage
• downplay