liberalize

[ lib-er-uh-lahyz, lib-ruh- ]

verb (used with or without object)

, lib·er·al·ized, lib·er·al·iz·ing.

1. to make or become liberal.

liberalize

/ ˈlɪbərəˌlaɪz; ˈlɪbrə- /

verb

1. to make or become liberal

Derived Forms

• ˈliberalˌizer, noun
• ˌliberaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• lib·er·al·i·za·tion [lib-er-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n, lib-r, uh, -], noun
• lib·er·al·iz·er noun
• o·ver·lib·er·al·ize verb overliberalized overliberalizing
• un·lib·er·al·ized· adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberalize¹

First recorded in 1765–75; liberal + -ize

Example Sentences

The liberalizing of India’s economy in the 1990s laid the foundation for the remarkable growth since, with millions escaping poverty and spawning a middle class.

From Seattle Times

Attitudes on race, immigration, and gender have liberalized dramatically in recent decades, including among working-class whites.

From Salon

Leaders decided to stand athwart a liberalizing Orange County instead of adapt.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Poland’s parliament held a long-awaited debate on liberalizing the country’s restrictive law last month — although many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad.

From Seattle Times

Polish opponents of abortion marched in Warsaw on Sunday to protest recent steps by the new government to liberalize the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict laws and allow termination of pregnancy until the 12th week.

From Seattle Times