medicalize

[ med-i-kuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, med·i·cal·ized, med·i·cal·iz·ing.

1. to handle or accept as deserving of or appropriate for medical treatment.

Other Words From

• medi·cal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of medicalize¹

medical + -ize

Example Sentences

But she also sees a temptation among public officials to villainize or medicalize loneliness— and to tout simplistic “solutions” to a complex and natural part of the human experience.

From Science Magazine

I'd really love to see us cutting down on our need to medicalize and biologize every human experience.

From Salon

Or does labeling people prediabetic merely “medicalize” a normal part of aging, creating needless anxiety for those already coping with multiple health problems?

From Seattle Times

Or does labeling people prediabetic merely “medicalize” a normal part of aging, creating needless anxiety for those already coping with multiple health problems?

From New York Times

In the meantime, however, let’s not medicalize everyday stress.

From New York Times