subsidize

especially British, sub·si·dise

[suhb-si-dahyz]

verb (used with object)

subsidized, subsidizing 

1. to furnish or aid with a subsidy.

2. to purchase the assistance of by the payment of a subsidy.

3. to secure the cooperation of by bribery; buy over.

subsidize

/ ˈsʌbsɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to aid or support with a subsidy

2. to obtain the aid of by means of a subsidy

Other Word Forms

• subsidizable adjective
• subsidization noun
• subsidizer noun
• desubsidization noun
• desubsidize verb (used with object)
• nonsubsidized adjective
• unsubsidized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsidize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; subsid(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

The address enabled Luna’s hard-won spot in a subsidized preschool program, the family’s public benefits, access to Newman’s medical specialists and the elusive form of state health insurance — “straight Medi-Cal” — she needs for a transplant.

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The hope is that by focusing on the number of customers—each one subsidized by shareholders—the companies can create a virtuous circle.

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When my utility company was subsidizing home energy audits in 2019, I figured, why not.

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Last June, I laid out why this had to end: Japan’s aging population needs those savings for retirement, not to subsidize American consumption.

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In a cruel irony, taxpayers have helped create this problem, by subsidizing, for years, billions in research and development for corporate America.

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Related Words

• bankroll 
• contribute 
• finance 
• fund 
• promote 
• sponsor 
• underwrite 

When To Use

What does subsidize mean?

To subsidize is to grant a subsidy—a direct payment made by a government to a company or other organization as a form of assistance.The process of subsidizing is subsidization. Governments often subsidize particular industries, such as through granting farm subsidies. The word subsidy is most commonly used to refer to such payments.More generally, subsidy can refer to any grant or monetary contribution. More specifically, it can refer to a payment made by one government to another for a particular service, often according to a treaty.Less commonly, the word subsidize can mean to gain someone’s cooperation through bribery.Subsidize is sometimes spelled subsidise (especially in British English).Example: The government is subsidizing my company to help expedite the manufacturing of healthcare products.