radicalization

American  

[rad-i-kuh-luh-zay-shuhn] / ˌræd ɪ kə ləˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, radicalisation

noun

1. the act or process of becoming more extreme, as in beliefs, actions, or politics.

   The group tries to counter radicalization by promoting nonviolence and tolerance through peer-to-peer education.

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Etymology

Origin of radicalization

radical ( def. ) + -ization ( def. )

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Explanation

The process of a person's views becoming more and more extreme is radicalization. Terrorism is one result of religious or political radicalization. Radicalization pushes people to one end or another of the political spectrum, or to an extreme or strict version of a religion. While this can have good or bad consequences (revolutions and social change often require radical action), the noun radicalization is frequently used in a negative way, to describe beliefs that lead to violent extremism. The Latin root of radicalization means "root," from the sense of "change from the roots."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

radicalization

"Beyond the profound moral concerns, a public execution could hand terrorist organizations a propaganda victory, fuel radicalization, and put American service members, diplomats, and citizens overseas at greater risk," he wrote, external.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

The film shows how, according to the investigations, company practices contributed to the radicalization of some users.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

Digital archives of the incident, later compiled in an online documentary tracking his multiyear radicalization, tell the tale.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

I’m an associate professor of sociology and criminology, and my scholarship focuses on far-right networks and digital radicalization – the exact ecosystem where these conspiracy theories have taken root and spread.

From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2026

With a group of men, silent as himself, he worked at the radicalization of the factories and labor unions.

From Erik Dorn by Ben Hecht

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