nationalize
verb
na·tion·al·ize
ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 
nationalized; nationalizing
1
: to give a national character to
2
: to invest control or ownership of in the national government
Examples of nationalize in a Sentence
The government nationalized the health-care system in the mid-1950s.
nationalizing the country's oil supply
Recent Examples on the Web
On the campaign trail, Sanders proudly nationalized her run for state office.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 22 June 2024
Within two years, Iran’s efforts to nationalize its oil production had been reversed by a military coup d’état, assisted by the U.S. and British governments.
—Gregory Brew, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2022
Both have pledged to nationalize parts of South Africa's economy, including its gold and platinum mines, among the world's biggest producers.
—Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2024
The party has advocated nationalizing the country’s central bank.
—Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 2 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for nationalize 
Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 22 June 2024
Within two years, Iran’s efforts to nationalize its oil production had been reversed by a military coup d’état, assisted by the U.S. and British governments.
—Gregory Brew, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2022
Both have pledged to nationalize parts of South Africa's economy, including its gold and platinum mines, among the world's biggest producers.
—Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2024
The party has advocated nationalizing the country’s central bank.
—Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 2 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for nationalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nationalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near nationalize
Cite this Entry
“Nationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationalize. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nationalize
verb
na·tion·al·ize
ˈnash-nəl-ˌīz
-ən-ᵊl-
nationalized; nationalizing
1
: to make national
2
: to remove from private ownership and place under government control
nationalize railroads
Legal Definition
nationalize
transitive verb
na·tion·al·ize
ˈna-shə-nə-ˌlīz
nationalized; nationalizing
: to invest control or ownership of in the national government
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share