politicize

[ puh-lit-uh-sahyz ]

/ pəˈlɪt əˌsaɪz /

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verb (used with object), po·lit·i·cized, po·lit·i·ciz·ing.

to bring a political character or flavor to; make political: to politicize a private dispute.

verb (used without object), po·lit·i·cized, po·lit·i·ciz·ing.

to engage in or discuss politics.

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Also especially British, po·lit·i·cise .

Origin of politicize

First recorded in 1750–60; politic(al) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM politicize

po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, nounde·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, nounde·po·lit·i·cize, verb (used with object), de·po·lit·i·cized, de·po·lit·i·ciz·ing.non·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH politicize

politicize , politick

Words nearby politicize

political question, political refugee, political science, political system, politician, politicize, politick, politicking, politico, politics, Politics makes strange bedfellows

How to use politicize in a sentence

I mean, I think the best example for my mind this last year is the damn dispute over the masks that got politicized.
Is Matthew McConaughey the Answer to the Texas Question?|Eugene Robinson|May 31, 2021|Ozy
By politicizing the tanker, the Houthis risk inflicting more pain on the people of Yemen and creating massive environmental damage to the region.
A Rusting Oil Tanker Off the Coast of Yemen Is an Environmental Catastrophe Waiting to Happen. Can Anyone Prevent It?|Joseph Hincks|May 14, 2021|Time
Breyer has given no public indication of his plans but bashed the idea of adding justices in a speech this month at Harvard Law School, where he warned of further politicizing the court.
Democratic leaders throw cold water on proposal to expand Supreme Court|Marianna Sotomayor|April 15, 2021|Washington Post
The plan faced strong opposition from Congress, federal employee organizations and others about the potential for politicizing the career federal workforce.
The federal government faces ‘wicked problems.’ It needs more expertise, a new report says.|Eric Yoder|March 18, 2021|Washington Post

If most Republicans believe journalists and academics are politicized, it stands to reason they might assume the polls they sponsor are politicized, too.
Why Did Republicans Outperform The Polls Again? Two Theories.|Emily Ekins (eekins@cato.org)|March 2, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
This is, of course, met by the pro-gun forces urging people not to politicize a tragedy.
It’s Time to Think Big or Shut Up on Gun Control|Dean Obeidallah|June 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The president himself has also accused Republicans of trying to politicize a national tragedy.
CIA Contractor Testimony Could Undermine Obama on Benghazi|Eli Lake|November 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“Mitch made it very clear to me from the beginning that he does not politicize issues of national security,” Benton wrote.
Opponents in Kentucky Make Mitch McConnell Useless in the Senate|Patricia Murphy|September 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And when the temptation to politicize or otherwise exploit the situation becomes irresistible, at least try to be subtle.
Which Politician Best Navigated Hurricane Sandy’s Surge?|Michelle Cottle|October 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Democrats have countered that Republicans and Mitt Romney have attempted to politicize a national tragedy.
Benghazi Suspect Held in Tunisia|Eli Lake|October 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for politicize

politicize

politicise

/ (pəˈlɪtɪˌsaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to render political in tone, interest, or awareness

(intr) to participate in political discussion or activity

Derived forms of politicize

politicization or politicisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012