problematize

[ prob-luh-muh-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat (a commonly accepted concept, idea, belief, etc.) as a problem in need of a solution in order to analyze, question, or deconstruct received wisdom or self-evident truths.

Other Words From

• prob·lem·a·ti·za·tion [prob-l, uh, m-, uh, -t, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of problematize¹

First recorded in 1905–10; from Greek problēmat-, stem of próblēma problem ( def ) + -ize ( def )