marginalize

[ mahr-juh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mar·gin·al·ized, mar·gin·al·iz·ing.

1. to place in a position of minor or marginal importance, significance, relevance, or effect:

   The government is attempting to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence.

2. to isolate or exclude from the dominant culture; perceive or treat as being on the fringes of a society or group:

   All of these policies have marginalized our vulnerable sisters and brothers for their religion, skin color, or sexual orientation.

marginalize

/ ˈmɑːdʒɪnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to relegate to the fringes, out of the mainstream; make seem unimportant

   various economic assumptions marginalize women

Derived Forms

• ˌmarginaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mar·gin·al·i·za·tion [mahr-j, uh, -nl-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n] especially British, mar·gin·al·i·sa·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marginalize¹

First recorded in 1825–35 for an earlier sense; marginal + -ize

Example Sentences

The enemy, however defined, is to be marginalized and oppressed as the Other.

From Salon

In addition, risk assessment and incapacity evaluation tools are controversial and primarily target marginalized and racialized people.

From Salon

Nayfack: When there’s a contraction overall, the first things to go are the marginalized voices.

From Los Angeles Times

Taylor would later publish “White Identity,” warning that white people will be marginalized by other races if they do not defend themselves.

From Salon

“To those who feel defeated, scared and marginalized, we see you, and we are committed to being a force of support for you now and in the future,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deprecate
• diminish
• disparage
• downplay