Municipalize: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when a local government takes control of a service or property. Typically appropriate in discussions about cities or town management.

• The city decided to municipalize the local water supply to ensure better quality.
• Plans to municipalize the public transportation system have been announced.

When the central government takes control of an industry or asset. Often found in economic or political discussions about state control.

• The government plans to nationalize the healthcare system to improve access for all citizens.
• Nationalize key industries to strengthen the economy was a major campaign promise.

Used when distributing wealth or services to benefit society as a whole. Can have both negative and positive associations depending on the context.

• One of the goals of the new policy is to socialize healthcare costs.
• The government aims to socialize education to reduce inequality.

Commonly refers to the organization of people or resources under collective, often socialist, control. Usually used in discussions about agriculture or communal living arrangements.

• During the revolution, the farmers were forced to collectivize their land.
• The community decided to collectivize their resources for mutual benefit.