radicalize

verb

rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈra-di-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce radicalize (audio)
radicalized; radicalizing

transitive verb

: to make radical especially in politics
radicalization noun

Examples of radicalize in a Sentence

The war has radicalized an entire generation of young people.
Recent Examples on the Web Some Israelis are armed and radicalized and might also try to sabotage such a deal. Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2024 The End requires complete submission to the off-kilter rules that govern this family and to Oppenheimer’s ambitions to radicalize the musical genre. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024 Klein said The God Delusion had radicalized him against the Orthodox Judaism of his youth. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024 One 19-year-old suspect had previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State after being radicalized online, according to officials. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for radicalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'radicalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radicalize was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near radicalize

Cite this Entry

“Radicalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radicalize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

radicalize

verb
rad·​i·​cal·​ize ˈrad-i-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce radicalize (audio)
radicalized; radicalizing
: to make radical

More from Merriam-Webster on radicalize

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