propagandize

American  

[prop-uh-gan-dahyz] / ˌprɒp əˈgæn daɪz /

especially British, propagandise

verb (used with object)

propagandized, propagandizing

1. to subject to propaganda.

   The Foreign Affairs department developed a plan to propagandize enemy countries.

2. to propagate or publicize (principles, dogma, etc.) by means of propaganda.

   The newspaper was accused of propagandizing state-approved stories rather than providing factual coverage.

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verb (used without object)

propagandized, propagandizing

1. to carry on or disseminate propaganda.

   Government agencies are supposed to be politically neutral, and are not supposed to propagandize in favor of specific agendas.

propagandize British  

/ ˌprɒpəˈɡændaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to spread by propaganda

2. (tr) to subject to propaganda

3. (intr) to spread or organize propaganda

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Etymology

Origin of propagandize

First recorded in 1835–45; propagand(a) + -ize

Explanation

To propagandize is to spread biased information that supports a particular political viewpoint. Most governments have been known to propagandize in an attempt to influence the perception (and behavior) of their citizens. A government might propagandize at the start of a war to rally support, and political protesters may propagandize to raise awareness of an issue or inspire others to get involved with their cause. Corporations sometimes propagandize to influence buyers and investors. These groups could print posters and flyers or run radio and TV ads spreading their message. The earliest so-called propagandizing was done by eighteenth century Catholic cardinals whose mission was to "propagate the faith."

Example Sentences

“Everywhere you look, there’s branding and advertising. It has the secondary or tertiary effect of causing people to then want to act out and propagandize themselves.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2025

This made it easier for businesses and social critics to propagandize against fatness because, simply put, the existence of more fat people opened up potentially lucrative opportunities for doing so.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2022

Her work can sometimes feel relentless but her voice, while forceful, is too restrained and witty to harangue or propagandize.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2022

Xi is ready, as expected, to propagandize China’s greatness.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2022

They also propagandize against religion and such so-called crimes as laziness and indifference.

From Area Handbook for Albania by Elpern, Sarah Jane