politicize

American  

[puh-lit-uh-sahyz] / pəˈlɪt əˌsaɪz /

especially British, politicise

verb (used with object)

politicized, politicizing

1. to bring a political character or flavor to; make political.

   to politicize a private dispute.

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verb (used without object)

politicized, politicizing

1. to engage in or discuss politics.

politicize British  

/ pəˈlɪtɪˌsaɪz /

verb

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

2. (intr) to participate in political discussion or activity

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Other Word Forms

• depoliticization noun
• depoliticize verb (used with object)
• nonpoliticization noun
• politicization noun

Etymology

Origin of politicize

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

Example Sentences

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

“We are not going to politicize anything today,” Ellison said at the event held at Paramount headquarters in Times Square in New York.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 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