liberalization

[ lib-er-uh-lahy-zey-shuhn, lib-ruh- ]

noun

1. the state of being or becoming more favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs:

   The liberalization of Anglican thought predates the rise of Protestant fundamentalism.

2. the act or process of making something, such as laws or regulations, less restrictive, or the state of being or becoming less restrictive:

   The president has proposed liberalization of the criminal code to allow for a reduction in maximum sentences and the introduction of monetary fines for less severe offenses.

   The government is updating existing contracts with some foreign companies to favor liberalization and free market competition.

Other Words From

• o·ver·lib·er·al·i·za·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberalization¹

liberaliz(e) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

So the matter stood until the 1990s, when South Korea’s pivot towards economic liberalization opened domestic markets to a flood of mayo and other foreign products.

From Salon

He was succeeded last year by his son, Hun Manet, but there have been few signs of political liberalization.

From Seattle Times

The new pro-European Union government had intended the law to be a first step toward a liberalization of Poland’s reproductive regulations, which are among Europe’s most restrictive and were inherited from the previous, conservative government.

From Seattle Times

“India’s aviation strategy is walking a tightrope between liberalization and protectionism,” said John Grant, chief analyst at the U.K.-based OAG, a global travel data provider.

From Seattle Times

In 1990, Ryzhkov announced a price liberalization program that was intended to overcome the deficit of some staples and help fill the shelves.

From Seattle Times