politicize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to render political in tone, interest, or awareness
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(intr) to participate in political discussion or activity
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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depoliticizationnoun
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nonpoliticizationnoun
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politicizationnoun
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depoliticizeverb (used with object)
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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politicizesimple
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politicizessimple
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have politicizedperfect
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has politicizedperfect
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am politicizingprogressive
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are politicizingprogressive
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is politicizingprogressive
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have been politicizingperfect progressive
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has been politicizingperfect progressive
Past
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politicizedsimple
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had politicizedperfect
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was politicizingprogressive
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were politicizingprogressive
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had been politicizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of politicize
First recorded in 1750–60; politic(al) + -ize
Explanation
To politicize something is to make it into a political issue. Candidates often politicize school performance, blaming low test scores on the policies of their opponents. When you politicize an issue, you bring it into the realm of politics, whether it belongs there or not. Politicians may rush to politicize an oil spill, for example, using it as an example of why the country should switch to alternative energy sources. A candidate running for mayor will be quick to politicize a private scandal by the current mayor, making it an issue in the campaign. The Greek root is politikos, "of citizens, or pertaining to the state."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"People will politicize everything," Chen, the pianist, said."I just watch it for the fights."
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
Paramount said it has been consistent that its goal is to not politicize the news and that it is investing in its goal of reaching the majority of Americans who define themselves as moderate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025
“Our goal is not to politicize this issue, but to represent the voice of those working hard every day to grow businesses that serve, employ and uplift communities.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2025
"It's hard to politicize things when you can't present the numbers in a vacuum."
From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2023
“It’s unfortunate to have it appear that there are some groups trying to politicize such an important health intervention,” said Jeremiah Johnson, PrEP program manager of PrEP4All, an advocacy group.
From New York Times ● Sep. 7, 2022
“It politicizes the human excretory function,” he said to even louder guffaws in the crowd.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2024
The film, made by the legendary and mysterious man in the high castle, instantly politicizes Juliana, who heads off to Canon City, in the neutral zone, on a mission for the resistance.
From Slate ● Nov. 17, 2015
It is clothed and unclothed; decorated and distorted; idealized, stylized, politicized.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026
Still, the promise of affordable child care has long been a point of bipartisan agreement, a rare issue that has not been overly politicized.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2024
Support for police can be politicized these days, but backing for K-9s still crosses party lines.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 13, 2023
Perhaps McAuliffe meant merely that K-12 schools should not become politicized.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 24, 2023
Burns too could have governed, debated in National Assemblies; politicized, as few could.
From On Heroes and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History by Carlyle, Thomas
“It is not about putting women where there were none, but about politicizing these issues and really promoting a transformation.”
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2024
Qin was quoted as saying that the two countries should remain committed to a comprehensive strategic partnership and oppose politicizing and weaponizing economic and trade issues.
From Reuters ● Feb. 10, 2023
“I want people to stop politicizing our city,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2021
Congressional representatives of border districts say they consistently find themselves in the delicate position of trying to draw attention and push their colleagues to address migration issues without politicizing them.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 15, 2021
"There is no room for politicizing the military," Shanahan told reporters.
From Salon ● Jun. 2, 2019
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
