politicking

[ pol-i-tik-ing ]

/ ˈpɒl ɪˌtɪk ɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR politicking ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

activity undertaken for political reasons or ends, as campaigning for votes before an election, making speeches, etc., or otherwise promoting oneself or one's policies.

Nearby words

politically correct, politically incorrect, politician, politicize, politick, politicking, politico, politico-, politics, politics makes strange bedfellows, polity

Origin of politicking

1925–30; politic (as v.) + -ing¹, respelling to show non-assibilation of -c-

Related forms

non·pol·i·tick·ing, noun

Definition for politicking (2 of 2)

politick

[ pol-i-tik ]

/ ˈpɒl ɪ tɪk /

verb (used without object)

to engage in politicking.

verb (used with object)

to influence, accomplish, or promote by politicking: Somehow he politicked the bill through both houses of Congress.

Origin of politick

1915–20; earlier politic, verbal derivative of politic; later as back formation from politicking

Related forms

out·pol·i·tick, verb (used with object)

Can be confused

politicize politick

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for politicking

But true to form in this drawn out debate, what we are witnessing is a lot of politicking over what is fundamentally a non-issue.
Keystone Pipeline Is D.C.’s Dumbest Debate|Claire Casey|May 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The ads are not intended to be political, he said, and awareness more than politicking and persuasion is the objective.
Will the Celebrity-Backed Push for Obamacare Enrollment Work?|Nina Strochlic|October 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
After Tiller is largely devoid of politicking, instead choosing to simply follow the four doctors about their business.
‘After Tiller’ Profiles Last Four U.S. Doctors Who Do Late-Term Abortions|Marlow Stern|July 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Is Xi Jinping –and the Party at large—embracing American-style politicking?
China’s Glamorous First Lady Peng Liyuan Saving the Communist Party With Song|Eveline Chao|March 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Lieberman views Yisrael Beiteinu the same way—as a personal vehicle for politicking.
Yisrael Beiteinu Without Lieberman?|Brent E. Sasley|December 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It couldn't have mattered to him what environment we used, but he was politicking where he shouldn't.
Question of Comfort|Les Collins

British Dictionary definitions for politicking

politicking

/ (ˈpɒlɪˌtɪkɪŋ) /

noun

political activity, esp seeking votes

activity directed towards acquiring power and influence, achieving one's own goals, etc

Derived Forms

politicker, 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