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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use politicize in a sentence

The fact that this has been politicized to such a degree—it feels impossible to untangle.
David Duchovny Turned Down Scientology, Doesn’t Care About UFOs, and Loves Making Sweet Music|Marlow Stern|August 26, 2021|The Daily Beast
Stewart Halpern, vice chair of the oversight committee, said the conversation on the new plan has been politicized, leading to undue focus on the list of unbuilt projects.
Here Are the TransNet Projects That (Probably) Aren’t Happening|Andrew Keatts|August 11, 2021|Voice of San Diego
Only then did conservatives complain about the show, or at least the actors’ politicizing the theater.
’1776’ — not ‘Hamilton’ — is the musical that best portrays the Founders|Zachary Clary|July 1, 2021|Washington Post
It sets a troubling precedent and risks further politicizing our forces.
Billionaire GOP Donor Bankrolls National Guard Border Deployment|W.J. Hennigan|June 30, 2021|Time

Yet mask-wearing has been politicized during most of the pandemic in the US and some other countries, and the choice to keep masking is becoming equally politically fraught.
Should Americans still wear masks?|Annabelle Timsit|June 18, 2021|Quartz
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