definitions
  • synonyms

politicize

[ puh-lit-uh-sahyz ]
/ pəˈlɪt əˌsaɪz /
|

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.

Nearby words

politically correct, politically incorrect, politicaster, politician, politicization, politicize, politick, politicking, politico, politico-, politics
Also especially British, po·lit·i·cise.

Origin of politicize

First recorded in 1750–60; politic(al) + -ize
Related formspo·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
Can be confusedpoliticize politick
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for politicize

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 Formspoliticization 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

Word Origin and History for politicize

politicize

v.

1758, "take up politics," from politics + -ize. Meaning "to render political" is from 1846. Related: Politicized; politicizing. Earlier was politize (late 16c.), but this was rare.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper