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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depoliticizeverb (used with object)
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politicizationnoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have politicizedperfect
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has politicizedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been politicizingperfect progressive
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am politicizingprogressive 1st person singular
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has been politicizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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are politicizingprogressive
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is politicizingprogressive 3rd person singular
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politicizessingular 3rd person
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politicizingparticiple
Past
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had politicizedperfect
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was politicizingprogressive singular
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had been politicizingperfect progressive
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were politicizingprogressive plural
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politicizedsimple
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politicizedparticiple
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.
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
“This will have nothing to with politics. We will not politicize this visit in any way.”
From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2021
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.
