nuclearize

[ noo-klee-uh-rahyz, nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-luh- ]

verb (used with object)

, nu·cle·ar·ized, nu·cle·ar·iz·ing.

1. to equip with nuclear weapons; give nuclear capability to:

   a fear that armed forces on both sides would become nuclearized.

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear.

Other Words From

• nucle·ar·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuclearize¹

First recorded in 1955–60; nuclear + -ize

Example Sentences

“North Korea continues to nuclearize. Their nuclear missile programs continue unabated,” said Bruce Klingner, a former high-level CIA officer in Korea now with The Heritage Foundation.

From Washington Times

“North Korea continues to nuclearize. Their nuclear missile programs continue unabated,” according to Bruce Klingner, a former high-level CIA officer in Korea now with the Heritage Foundation.

From Washington Times

Jones said that observers should understand that North Korean officials were aware their only leverage was the potential to nuclearize and act as a rogue nation around the world.

From Fox News

Even as President Trump is trying to denuclearize North Korea and Iran, he may be helping to nuclearize Saudi Arabia.

From New York Times

On Tuesday the Post's Robert Costa interviewed Vice President Mike Pence and asked him if they were planning to nuclearize space.

From Salon