propagandize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, often used in political, sociological, historical, or critical discourse.
Quick answer
What does “propagandize” mean?
To spread information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spread information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
To subject someone to systematic efforts to influence their beliefs, attitudes, or actions, often through one-sided or emotionally charged communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'propagandise' is a common British English variant. The '-ize' suffix is also widely accepted in British English, especially in formal/academic contexts.
Connotations
Identically negative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but the term is common in political analysis globally.
Grammar
How to Use “propagandize” in a Sentence
[Subject] propagandizes [Object/Recipient][Subject] propagandizes for [Cause/Idea][Subject] propagandizes against [Enemy/Cause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “propagandize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime used state media to relentlessly propagandise its citizens.
- He was accused of trying to propagandise the committee with his biased reports.
American English
- The government spent millions to propagandize its foreign policy goals.
- These leaflets are designed not to inform but to propagandize.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb is 'propagandistically', but it is extremely rare).
American English
- N/A (The adverb is 'propagandistically', but it is extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'propagandistic').
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'propagandistic').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used critically, e.g., 'The company's internal videos aren't training, they're propagandizing.'
Academic
Common in political science, media studies, and history to describe state or institutional persuasion efforts.
Everyday
Infrequent. Used in political discussion with a critical tone.
Technical
Used in sociology and political theory to describe a specific process of mass persuasion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “propagandize”
- Using it neutrally (e.g., 'The charity propagandized its good work').
- Confusing it with 'propagate' (to breed or spread more generally).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strongly negative. It implies the use of biased, misleading, or emotionally manipulative information to promote a cause.
'Propagandize' focuses on the act of disseminating propaganda. 'Indoctrinate' focuses on the result—the process of firmly instilling beliefs, often implying a deeper, more systematic teaching that leads to uncritical acceptance.
No. Using it to describe one's own actions (e.g., 'We need to propagandize our message') would be seen as an admission of using dishonest tactics. For neutral promotion, use words like 'promote', 'publicize', or 'advocate'.
The primary noun is 'propaganda'. The agent noun (person who does it) is 'propagandist'.
To spread information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
Propagandize is usually formal, often used in political, sociological, historical, or critical discourse. in register.
Propagandize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.daɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɑː.pəˈɡæn.daɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the verb. Related noun idiom: 'a propaganda machine'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROpaganda POSTER being used to 'size' up an audience – to PROPAGANDIZE them.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS / COMMUNICATION IS TRANSFER (propaganda is transferred/fed to a population).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'propagandize' CORRECTLY?