privatize

[ prahy-vuh-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

privatized, privatizing.

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 Word Forms

• priva·ti·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of privatize¹

First recorded in 1945–50; private + -ize

Example Sentences

“With the current administration’s actions, it could be that he’s here to privatize us.”

From Los Angeles Times

In “Sleep Dealer,” the international borders are closed, but U.S. corporations continue to privatize natural resources and exploit workers in Mexico, where we find our protagonist, a Tijuana robot operator named Memo Cruz.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a privatization scam. The intent of this is to help privatize public education.”

From Salon

The 50-year shift away from robust public sector employment has already privatized a lot of U.S. employment.

From Salon

They were united by fears that the spectacular coast was in danger of becoming overdeveloped, heavily industrialized, ecologically diminished and irreversibly privatized.

From Los Angeles Times