normalization

British  

/ ˌnɔːməlaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of normalizing

2. social welfare the policy of offering mentally or physically handicapped people patterns, conditions, and experiences of everyday life as close as possible to those of nonhandicapped people, by not segregating them physically, socially, and administratively from the rest of society

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Explanation

Taking something that's out of whack or atypical and bringing it back to an ordinary state is normalization. When two countries in conflict agree to sign a truce, it signifies the normalization of their relationship. Normalization is often used in a political context, for relations between nations, but you can use it for anything that's returned to normal after going off the rails. The normalization of a new parent's sleep schedule can sometimes take years. Another way to use this word is to mean "treating something bizarre as though it's normal." You may be shocked at the normalization of foul language on television — and dismayed at your family's normalization of eating dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Example Sentences

Normalization was completed in March 2016, when Mr. Obama became the first sitting American president to visit Cuba in 88 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"Normalization is not a particularly urgent motivation for cutting, and for that reason we also see a significant risk that the Fed will instead hold steady."

From Reuters • Aug. 14, 2023

Can you elaborate on the Normalization, Polarization, Demonization, and Violence model that you apply in your new research?

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

Normalization of relations is the key condition for the two countries to move forward in their efforts to join the 27-nation bloc.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 4, 2023

Normalization of U.S. relations with China has facilitated China's full entry into the international community and encouraged a constructive Chinese role in the Asia-Pacific region.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy