mediatize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Historical, Technical (Political Science/History)
Quick answer
What does “mediatize” mean?
To annex or subordinate (a principality, state, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To annex or subordinate (a principality, state, etc.) to a larger state, while allowing its ruler to retain some titular authority.
In broader modern usage, can mean to bring under media influence or control; to make something subject to media processes or attention (though this is less established and often criticized by purists).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. The historical term is used identically in both academic contexts. The modern, media-related usage is equally rare and contested in both varieties.
Connotations
In historical context, connotes imperial consolidation and the loss of sovereignty. The modern usage, if used, often connotes a critical view of media's pervasive influence.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both regions. Confined almost exclusively to historical texts or specialized academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “mediatize” in a Sentence
[State/Entity] + was mediatized + by/into + [Larger State/Empire]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mediatize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Congress of Vienna chose to mediatise several smaller German principalities, incorporating them into larger kingdoms.
- To consolidate power, the empire sought to mediatise the independent duchies.
American English
- The treaty effectively mediatized the electorates, stripping them of immediate imperial status.
- Napoleon's policies helped mediatize hundreds of microstates.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare; not used]
American English
- [Extremely rare; not used]
adjective
British English
- The mediatised princes retained their titles but lost real political power.
- A mediatised house still had social prestige.
American English
- The mediatized rulers became part of the high nobility within their new sovereign's domain.
- They lived in a mediatized state of semi-autonomy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical/political science texts discussing the reorganization of the Holy Roman Empire (e.g., the Imperial Recess of 1803).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The historical meaning is the technical usage. In media studies, one might encounter the novel verb form 'to mediatize society,' but 'mediatization' (the noun) is the standard term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mediatize”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mediatize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mediatize”
- Using it to mean 'to use media' or 'to broadcast'.
- Confusing it with 'mediate'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used almost exclusively in historical academic writing.
This is a modern, nonstandard back-formation. While it is occasionally seen (e.g., 'a mediatized scandal'), it is often criticized. The standard term for the process is 'mediatization', and for the act, 'to cover in the media' or 'to broadcast'.
'Mediate' means to intervene to resolve a dispute. 'Mediatize' (historically) means to make a state subordinate to another, with the sovereign acting as the 'mediator' between the lesser ruler and imperial authority. They share a Latin root but have distinct meanings.
Yes, the standard noun is 'mediatization' (or 'mediatisation' in UK spelling). This is the term used in historical and media studies scholarship.
To annex or subordinate (a principality, state, etc.
Mediatize is usually formal, historical, technical (political science/history) in register.
Mediatize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːdɪətaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːdiəˌtaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this rare term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MEDIAtize' as making a state go through a MEDIAter (a go-between, like the larger empire), losing its direct connection to the emperor.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL ANNEXATION IS A FORM OF FILTERING (the mediatized entity's power is filtered through a superior authority).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, historical meaning of 'to mediatize'?