privatize

[ prahy-vuh-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pri·va·tized, pri·va·tiz·ing.

1. to transfer from public or government control or ownership to private enterprise:

   a campaign promise to privatize some of the public lands.

2. to make exclusive; delimit or appropriate:

   special-interest groups attempting to privatize social issues.

privatize

/ ˈpraɪvɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. tr to transfer (the production of goods or services) from the public sector of an economy into private ownership and operation

Derived Forms

• ˌprivatiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• priva·ti·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of privatize¹

First recorded in 1945–50; private + -ize

Example Sentences

"Look at what they're doing to pick the pocket of American workers, to fleece seniors by privatizing Social Security and Medicare."

From Salon

The big one to watch out for, however, is that I think Trump and the Republicans will have their eyes on privatizing Old Age Insurance, what we commonly call Social Security.

From Salon

He quickly claimed a mandate in his second term and then moved with speed to privatize Social Security.

From Salon

Trump and conservative allies could reduce federal financial aid, privatize student loans and end student loan forgiveness.

From Los Angeles Times

The group added that these issues are rather a result of "decades of federal and provincial policies that have underfunded and privatized public services".

From BBC