radicalize

American  

[rad-i-kuh-lahyz] / ˈræd ɪ kəˌlaɪz /

especially British, radicalise

verb (used with object)

radicalized, radicalizing

1. to make radical or more radical, as in politics.

   young people who are being radicalized by extremist philosophies.

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verb (used without object)

radicalized, radicalizing

1. to become radical or more radical.

   The regime has increasingly radicalized since the coup.

radicalize British  

/ ˈrædɪkəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make (a person) more radical

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Other Word Forms

• radicalization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of radicalize

First recorded in 1815–20; radical + -ize

Explanation

To radicalize someone is to shift a person or group's opinions toward either end of the political spectrum. The word comes up a lot during times of political upheaval or revolution when people’s opinions stray far from the mainstream. To radicalize people is to cause a shift in their beliefs that make them want to take action for social reform. Once they’re radicalized, they'll want big political or social changes and work to make them happen. Personal experience is often radicalizing — sexism, racism, poverty, and perceived injustices radicalize many people to try to change the world. The word can have a darker meaning when radicalization leads to politically motivated violence.

Example Sentences

Islamic State has also tried to exploit the reach of TikTok to radicalize and recruit young people, according to a U.N. counterterrorism report from July.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

The military presence there helped radicalize young Islamic militants such as Osama bin Laden.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

They get circulated on an endless loop in real time and those images can both revolt but also radicalize.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

This kind of thing should indeed radicalize us toward healthy material action if we have anything of a conscience left.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2023

Bardhi said the opposition would radicalize its protests but did not elaborate.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023