Nationalize: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when a government takes control of a private industry or company.

• The government decided to nationalize the oil industry to ensure resources are distributed fairly.
• During the economic crisis, several banks were nationalized to prevent them from collapsing.

Often used in a broad sense to describe the transfer of services or industries into public ownership or control, especially in the context of creating a welfare state.

• One of the party’s goals is to socialize healthcare to ensure that all citizens have access to medical services.
• Efforts to socialize education have led to increased funding for public schools.

Typically used in the context of farming or agriculture, when private farms are combined into collectively owned enterprises.

• In the 20th century, several countries attempted to collectivize agriculture to increase production.
• The policy to collectivize farms faced resistance from rural communities.

Refers to the process where a city or municipality takes control of services or assets, such as utilities.

• The town council decided to municipalize the water supply to improve service quality.
• By municipalizing the public transport system, the city aims to offer better routes and schedules.

This word is often used in a political or economic context when a government takes control of a private industry or company.

• The government decided to nationalize the railway system.
• They will nationalize the healthcare sector to ensure free access for all citizens.

This term is used when authorities take property, usually because of legal violations. It often has a negative connotation.

• The police will confiscate the illegal drugs.
• When they caught him with the stolen goods, they had to confiscate them.

This word can be used in a variety of contexts, including legal and military, when something is taken forcefully or suddenly. It can have a negative connotation.

• The army seized control of the city.
• Customs officers have the authority to seize counterfeit goods.

This word is used in legal and formal contexts, particularly when the government takes private property for public use, usually with compensation.

• The city decided to expropriate the land to build a new highway.
• They had to expropriate several houses to create the park.