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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has politicizedperfect 3rd person singular
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have politicizedperfect
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has been politicizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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is politicizingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are politicizingprogressive
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have been politicizingperfect progressive
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politicizessingular 3rd person
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politicizingparticiple
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am politicizingprogressive 1st person singular
Past
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had politicizedperfect
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were politicizingprogressive plural
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politicizedsimple
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was politicizingprogressive singular
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had been politicizingperfect progressive
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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
“You can’t politicize public health,” said Mia Cotton, the chief programs officer of Friends for Life, a Memphis nonprofit that has received the federal funding.
From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2023
“All parties should focus on fighting the epidemic itself, avoid any words or deeds that politicize the epidemic, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and work together to defeat the epidemic,” the editorial said.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2023
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.
