Finlandize

[ fin-luhn-dahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Fin·land·ized, Fin·land·iz·ing.

1. to subject to Finlandization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Finlandize¹

First recorded in 1970–75; back formation from Finlandization

Example Sentences

In the 1970s, when West Germany led the way in pursuing friendly relations with the Soviet Union, some U.S. officials feared that Moscow would exploit the overtures and “Finlandize” our frontline ally in the East-West standoff.

From Slate

Chinese President Xi Jinping, convinced that the United States is much diminished, seems impatient not merely to “Finlandize” Taiwan — to make it compliant, as the Soviet Union attempted to make Finland — but to subject the “renegade province” to Beijing’s intensifying totalitarianism.

From Washington Post