denationalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Political, Economic, Academic
Quick answer
What does “denationalize” mean?
To remove from state ownership or control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remove from state ownership or control; to privatize.
To deprive of national status or character; to remove from national control, especially industries or services previously owned by the government.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English also commonly uses 'denationalise' (with an 's'), while US English uses 'denationalize' (with a 'z'). The core meaning and usage are identical.
Connotations
Generally neutral but politically charged, reflecting ideological views on the role of the state.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English during the 1980s privatization era. In both varieties, it is a specialized term not used in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “denationalize” in a Sentence
[Government] denationalized [Industry/Enterprise].The policy aims to denationalize [object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “denationalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government plans to denationalise the postal service.
- Several industries were denationalised in the 1980s.
American English
- Congress debated whether to denationalize the passenger rail service.
- The administration moved swiftly to denationalize the energy grid.
adverb
British English
- The industry was sold denationalised.
- Not applicable - rare.
American English
- The assets were transferred denationalized.
- Not applicable - rare.
adjective
British English
- The denationalised firm quickly became profitable.
- He opposed the denationalisation policy.
American English
- Denationalized industries faced new competition.
- The denationalization process was controversial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new administration announced plans to denationalize the telecommunications sector.
Academic
The paper analyses the economic effects of denationalizing heavy industry.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation.
Technical
The act provided the legal framework to denationalize state-owned assets.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “denationalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “denationalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “denationalize”
- Using it to mean 'to make less patriotic' (that's 'de-patriotize').
- Confusing it with 'denaturalize' (to revoke citizenship).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, yes, they are virtually synonymous. 'Denationalize' specifically emphasizes the removal from *national* (state) control, while 'privatize' emphasizes transfer to *private* control.
While theoretically possible, this meaning is extremely rare and largely obsolete. The terms 'denaturalize' or 'strip of nationality' are used instead.
Denationalization (US) / Denationalisation (UK).
No, it is a C1-level, formal word used primarily in political, economic, and historical contexts, not in everyday conversation.
To remove from state ownership or control.
Denationalize is usually formal, political, economic, academic in register.
Denationalize: in British English it is pronounced /diːˈnæʃ(ə)nəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /diˈnæʃ(ə)nəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Often part of the phrase 'denationalization programme'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DE-NATIONAL-IZE: To take the NATION out of control.
Conceptual Metaphor
OWNERSHIP IS CONTROL. Removing national ownership is freeing the asset from state control.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'denationalize'?