subsidize

[ suhb-si-dahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·si·dized, sub·si·diz·ing.

1. to furnish or aid with a subsidy.
2. to purchase the assistance of by the payment of a subsidy.
3. to secure the cooperation of by bribery; buy over.

subsidize

/ ˈsʌbsɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to aid or support with a subsidy
2. to obtain the aid of by means of a subsidy

Derived Forms

• ˈsubsiˌdizer, noun
• ˌsubsiˈdizable, adjective
• ˌsubsidiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• subsi·diza·ble adjective
• subsi·di·zation noun
• subsi·dizer noun
• de·subsi·di·zation noun
• de·subsi·dize verb (used with object) desubsidized desubsidizing
• non·subsi·dized adjective
• un·subsi·dized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsidize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; subsid(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

“And that gap is paid for by the lungs of the breathers in California. That’s what’s subsidizing polluting industries — people’s health.”

From Los Angeles Times

Critics have raised doubts about the details, including the uncertain effects of her plan to subsidize down payments for first-time homebuyers, but she has at least made those issues high priorities.

From Los Angeles Times

There would be subterranean and above-ground parking, and at least 20% of the units are expected to be designated as affordable with subsidized rents.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the Democratic nominee’s plan includes stronger emissions regulations and subsidizing clean energy, Harris also supports fossil fuels and fracking and would continue the climate change policies passed by the Inflation Reduction Act.

From Salon

Bradbury and his co-authors analyzed, in no uncertain terms, that “no economic justification exists for subsidizing professional sports venues at observed levels.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bankroll
• contribute
• finance
• fund
• promote
• sponsor
• underwrite

More About Subsidize

What does subsidize mean?

To subsidize is to grant a subsidy—a direct payment made by a government to a company or other organization as a form of assistance.

The process of subsidizing is subsidization. Governments often subsidize particular industries, such as through granting farm subsidies. The word subsidy is most commonly used to refer to such payments.

More generally, subsidy can refer to any grant or monetary contribution. More specifically, it can refer to a payment made by one government to another for a particular service, often according to a treaty.

Less commonly, the word subsidize can mean to gain someone’s cooperation through bribery.

Subsidize is sometimes spelled subsidise (especially in British English).

Example: The government is subsidizing my company to help expedite the manufacturing of healthcare products.

Where does subsidize come from?

The first records of the word subsidize come from the 1700s. It ultimately derives from the Latin subsidium, meaning “auxiliary force,” “reserve,” or “help.” The ending -ize is used to make verbs.

Governments subsidize companies in particular industries by providing companies with funding. The goal of this kind of subsidization is typically to help that industry thrive—so that it can provide jobs or otherwise stimulate economic growth. There are different kinds of subsidies, but the word is usually associated with government payments. Such payments are sometimes called government subsidies. The U.S. government subsidizes many industries, including by providing monetary assistance to fossil fuel companies and military and automobile manufacturers.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to subsidize?

• subsidise (alternate spelling)
• subsidizable (adjective)
• subsidization (noun)
• subsidizer (noun)
• desubsidization (noun)
• subsidy (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with subsidize? 

 

• subsidiary
• subside

What are some words that often get used in discussing subsidize?

• appropriation
• aid
• assistance
• payment
• industry
• company
• farm
• oil
• allowance
• support

How is subsidize used in real life?

The word subsidize is most commonly associated with government payments to help certain industries.

If we must subsidize this industry, let the money shift to small, organic and more humane farms. https://t.co/Spi20xRq6A

— Blue Equus 💫🌎🌲🐾 🐝🐴🌱 (@Blueequus775) May 15, 2020

"We need to stop subsidizing oil and gas companies and put that money toward renewable energy!" #climateSOTU

— 350 dot org (@350) January 29, 2014

Since it is a matter of gun manufacturers & retailers making money, suggest just subsidize them directly through taxes & eliminate product.

— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) October 9, 2015

 

 

Try using subsidize!

Is subsidize used correctly in the following sentence?

We subsidize billion-dollar corporations, but we should determine if such subsidies help everyday citizens.