radicalize

[ rad-i-kuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, rad·i·cal·ized, rad·i·cal·iz·ing.

1. to make radical or more radical, as in politics:

   young people who are being radicalized by extremist philosophies.

verb (used without object)

, rad·i·cal·ized, rad·i·cal·iz·ing.

1. to become radical or more radical:

   The regime has increasingly radicalized since the coup.

radicalize

/ ˈrædɪkəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make (a person) more radical

Derived Forms

• ˌradicaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• rad·i·cal·i·za·tion [rad-i-k, uh, -l, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of radicalize¹

First recorded in 1815–20; radical + -ize

Example Sentences

In the topsy-turvy world of the radicalized right, a willingness to publish Hitler memes has a legitimizing power.

From Salon

First, using leftist-sounding language helps them rope in gullible people, both to take their money and, in many cases, to radicalize them.

From Salon

By the early 21st century, that group of leaders became increasingly radicalized around American politics, increasingly fixated on visions of taking over society.

From Salon

And he has in some ways radicalized himself.

From Los Angeles Times

He was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill ‘infidels,’” Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Austrian Directorate General for Public Security, told the Associated Press.

From Los Angeles Times