politicize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “politicize” mean?
To cause an event, situation, or topic to become influenced by or connected with politics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause an event, situation, or topic to become influenced by or connected with politics.
To bring a subject into the realm of political debate, often implying that it becomes a tool for gaining political advantage or that its original, non-political nature is distorted.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary spelling is 'politicize' in both varieties. The alternative spelling 'politicise' is standard in British English but less common than the '-ize' form in modern usage, especially in academia. The '-ize' spelling is dominant in American English.
Connotations
Connotations are largely identical across varieties. It is predominantly used critically.
Frequency
More frequent in political journalism and academic discourse (political science, sociology) in both varieties. No significant frequency disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “politicize” in a Sentence
[S] politicize [O] (transitive)[S] become politicized (passive/ergative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “politicize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The opposition leader accused the government of trying to politicise the independent inquiry.
- Some fear the new regulations will politicise the civil service.
American English
- Critics argue the media has politicized the pandemic response.
- The senator warned against politicizing the Supreme Court nomination process.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb 'politically' is related but not derived directly from 'politicize').
American English
- N/A (The adverb 'politically' is related but not derived directly from 'politicize').
adjective
British English
- The 'politicised' version of the report omitted key findings. (Note: 'politicised' as participle adjective)
- It was a highly politicised environment.
American English
- The debate became intensely politicized. (participle adjective)
- We are living in a deeply politicized era.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO warned against politicizing the company's sustainability report.'
Academic
Common in social sciences. 'The study examines how social movements politicize private issues.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing news/media. 'I wish they wouldn't politicize this health crisis.'
Technical
Used in political theory/policy analysis. 'The new legislation has the effect of politicizing judicial appointments.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “politicize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “politicize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “politicize”
- Confusing with 'politick' (to engage in political activity). 'Politicize' is transitive; you politicize *something*. Using it as a positive term (e.g., 'We need to politicize this good cause') is atypical.
- Misspelling as 'politicise' in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly, yes. It typically implies the inappropriate, forced, or opportunistic introduction of politics into a matter. Neutral use (e.g., 'to raise political awareness') is possible but less common.
'Politicalize' is a much rarer, often non-standard variant. 'Politicize' is the standard and accepted form in all dictionaries.
Not grammatically. The verb is typically used with an agent (someone politicizes something) or in the passive/ergative (something becomes/is politicized). An event can 'become politicized' as a result of external actions.
The noun is 'politicization' (or 'politicisation' in British English). E.g., 'the politicization of the judiciary'.
To cause an event, situation, or topic to become influenced by or connected with politics.
Politicize is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Politicize: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪtɪsaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪtəˌsaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use 'politicize' as a core component.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POLITIC + -IZE (to make into). To MAKE something a POLITICal issue.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A SPHERE/CONTAMINANT (pulling into its sphere / infecting a neutral domain).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'politicize' correctly and typically?