radicalize

American  

[rad-i-kuh-lahyz] / ˈræd ɪ kəˌlaɪz /

especially British, radicalise

verb (used with object)

radicalizes, present (3rd person singular) radicalized, past participle, past radicalizing present participle

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)

radicalizes, present (3rd person singular) radicalized, past participle, past radicalizing present participle

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

Derived Forms

• radicalization
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have radicalized
  perfect
• has radicalized
  perfect 3rd person singular
• is radicalizing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am radicalizing
  progressive 1st person singular
• has been radicalizing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are radicalizing
  progressive
• have been radicalizing
  perfect progressive
• radicalizing
  participle
• radicalizes
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had radicalized
  perfect
• were radicalizing
  progressive plural
• had been radicalizing
  perfect progressive
• was radicalizing
  progressive singular
• radicalized
  participle
• radicalized
  simple

Future

• will radicalize
  simple
• will have radicalized
  perfect
• will have been radicalizing
  perfect progressive
• will be radicalizing
  progressive

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

This would radicalize even the most principled 20-something.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 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

Citing its street-level, human examination of how authoritarianism can radicalize average people, Tracy Brown says, “‘Andor’ is not only one of the best ‘Star Wars’ stories but one of the best TV shows around.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 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