privatize

American  

[prahy-vuh-tahyz] / ˈpraɪ vəˌtaɪz /

especially British, privatise

verb (used with object)

privatized, privatizing

1. to transfer from public or government control or ownership to private enterprise.

   a campaign promise to privatize some of the public lands.

2. to make exclusive; delimit or appropriate.

   special-interest groups attempting to privatize social issues.

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privatize British  

/ ˈpraɪvɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to transfer (the production of goods or services) from the public sector of an economy into private ownership and operation

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Other Word Forms

• privatization noun

Etymology

Origin of privatize

First recorded in 1945–50; private + -ize

Example Sentences

For decades, investors in the privatized version of Medicare grew accustomed to a familiar political rhythm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors in the privatized version of Medicare grew accustomed to a familiar political rhythm.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company was privatized a few years ago, which means there should be continuous operational improvements.

From Barron's

We then considered whether the Boston-area airports would install heated runways if they were privatized and made the decision based on whether heated runways could increase profits.

From The Wall Street Journal

The movement envisions PdVSA as an energy regulator refereeing a privatized oil sector.

From The Wall Street Journal