marginalize

especially British, mar·gin·al·ise

[mahr-juh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

marginalized, marginalizing 

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

Other Word Forms

• marginalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marginalize¹

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

Example Sentences

While disparaging advocates for the marginalized as impediments to winning the votes of white “moderates,” the New Democrats embraced corporate America.

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Instead of redressing problems based on individual need, this viewpoint believes real justice requires favoring the most marginalized group and redistributing power and resources in its direction.

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The lyrics, characteristically and unapologetically obscene, reflect the realities of life in marginalized communities.

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“Excuse me, I’m being marginalized out of this,” Sliwa complained to the debate’s hosts.

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From the day he took charge of the Pentagon in February, Hegseth launched a war on the press corps in an effort to minimize embarrassing leaks and marginalize critics.

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Related Words

• deprecate 
• diminish 
• disparage 
• downplay