relativize

American  

[rel-uh-tuh-vahyz] / ˈrɛl ə təˌvaɪz /

especially British, relativise

verb (used with object)

relativized, relativizing

1. to regard as or make relative.

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relativize British  

/ ˈrɛlətɪvaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become relative

2. (tr) to apply the theory of relativity to

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Other Word Forms

• relativization noun

Etymology

Origin of relativize

First recorded in 1930–35; relative + -ize

Example Sentences

Ms. Antonetta’s effort to relativize T4 and the subsequent practice of psychiatry in the U.S. and elsewhere works less well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

"Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident," he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 5, 2023

“We don’t want to relativize it. It stands on its own.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 2, 2020

“This exhibit is a victory in the fight against negationism, the efforts to deny and relativize what happened during our dictatorship.”

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2017

"We are faced with an effort to totally relativize the Ustasha crimes," said the head of the Zagreb Jewish community, Ognjen Kraus.

From US News • May 14, 2016