subsidize

American  

[suhb-si-dahyz] / ˈsʌb sɪˌdaɪz /

especially British, subsidise

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 British  

/ ˈsʌbsɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to aid or support with a subsidy

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

---

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of subsidize

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

Explanation

To subsidize something is to support it by providing it with money or other resources. Don't expect your parents to subsidize your addiction to solid-gold puppy figurines. We can break down the word subsidize to help us remember its meaning. The prefix sub- means "under, below" and sedēre means "to sit." (A submarine is a ship that goes under the sea.) So to subsidize is to underwrite something financially, providing the support that keeps it going. For example, our taxes are used by the government to subsidize many educational and social programs.

Example Sentences

Herrero said the shipment was just "another donation" by Cuba's Russian ally, but he doubted that Moscow wanted to subsidize the Cuban economy in the long term.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

States typically receive federal funding that they match and then give to subsidize individual children’s care at child care centers.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

“Risk-based pricing ensures low-risk policyholders don’t subsidize high-risk policyholders,” said Mark Friedlander, senior director of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute, a nonprofit supported by the property and casualty industry.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Employers of these tipped workers can use customers to subsidize $5.12 of the business’ hourly wage obligation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The industry of Angolans doesn’t subsidize foreigners, or any castles with moats, and their children are likely to get vaccinations and learn to read.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

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