reprivatize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Business/Finance
Quick answer
What does “reprivatize” mean?
To return (a state-owned or publicly controlled enterprise, industry, or asset) to private ownership and control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To return (a state-owned or publicly controlled enterprise, industry, or asset) to private ownership and control.
To reverse a process of nationalization or state control, often as part of economic policy shifts towards market-oriented reforms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English may also use 'reprivatise'. The concept is equally understood in both varieties, with usage tied more to political/economic context than regional preference.
Connotations
Often carries political and ideological connotations related to economic policy (e.g., neoliberalism, post-communist transitions). Can be a neutral technical term or a politically charged one depending on context.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more common in American English texts discussing economic history or policy, but not a high-frequency word in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “reprivatize” in a Sentence
[Government/Subject] reprivatized [Industry/Asset/Object][Object] was reprivatized (by [Subject])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprivatize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new government's manifesto promised to reprivatise the rail network.
- After the crisis, there was little political will to reprivatise the banks.
American English
- The state legislature voted to reprivatize the utility company.
- The policy aimed to reprivatize industries that had been nationalized in the 1970s.
adverb
British English
- The industry was run reprivatised, yet under strict new regulations.
American English
- The company operated successfully after being sold reprivatized.
adjective
British English
- The reprivatisation agenda was met with union protests.
- A reprivatised energy sector.
American English
- The reprivatization plan faced legal challenges.
- Reprivatized assets often fetch a high price.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and financial news regarding state-owned enterprises.
Academic
Used in economics, political science, and history papers discussing shifts between public and private control.
Everyday
Very rarely used in casual conversation; mostly encountered in news about economic policy.
Technical
A precise term in economics and public policy denoting a specific type of ownership transfer.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reprivatize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reprivatize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprivatize”
- Using 'reprivatize' to mean 'privatize for the first time'. Confusing it with 'repatriate' (to return to one's country). Incorrect stress: placing it on the first syllable /ˈriːpraɪvətaɪz/ is non-standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Privatize' means to transfer from public (state) to private ownership for the first time. 'Reprivatize' specifically means to do this AGAIN, after the asset had been privatized, then nationalized, and is now being returned to private hands.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used primarily in economics, political discourse, and historical analysis. You are unlikely to encounter it in everyday conversation.
Primarily for industries, companies, services, or assets (like land). While theoretically possible for other entities, its core use is in political economy.
The noun is 'reprivatization' (American English spelling) or 'reprivatisation' (British English spelling).
To return (a state-owned or publicly controlled enterprise, industry, or asset) to private ownership and control.
Reprivatize is usually formal, academic, business/finance in register.
Reprivatize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈpraɪvətaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈpraɪvəˌtaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + PRIVATIZE. It's PRIVATIZE again. Imagine a sign on a factory going from 'Private' to 'State-Owned' and back to 'Private' with a 'RE-' sticker added.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP IS A TEMPORARY HOLDING PATTERN (before returning to the 'natural' state of private control).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'reprivatize' most accurately used?