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

While darkly amusing, this is genuinely dangerous; movements that believe themselves to be comprehensively infiltrated tend to radicalize further and faster.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

They don’t seem to understand how much the internet can radicalize people.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2025

This would radicalize even the most principled 20-something.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

“There are people who are harmful and they’re trying to radicalize our children and we cannot ignore this,” Adams said.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

“The perpetrators of this crime do so in the hope that it will harass and intimidate Jewish families, radicalize others, or desensitize some to the messaging,” the motion adds.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2023