Politicise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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politicise

[ˈpɒlɪtəˌsaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social issues

To politicise something means to make it a matter of political debate or concern. This often involves framing an issue in political terms to influence public opinion or policy decisions.

Synonyms

contend, debate, politicize.

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to politicise the environmental crisis.
  • Many activists aim to politicise social justice issues.
  • The media has a tendency to politicise certain events for ratings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Impact

  • Politicising everyday topics can highlight how policies affect daily life, like health care and education.
  • Movements for social justice often politicise issues to raise awareness and drive change.
  • Many artists use their work to politicise environmental issues, aiming to inspire action and awareness.

Pop Culture

  • Films and television often politicise events, such as historical moments or social movements, to engage viewers.
  • Songs have served as a platform to politicise personal experiences, transforming them into messages of activism.
  • Social media influencers often politicise lifestyle choices to address broader issues such as sustainability or health.

Psychology

  • People tend to react emotionally when issues are politicised, which can lead to passionate discussions and debates.
  • The process of politicisation can lead to divided opinions, compounding feelings of in-group and out-group dynamics.
  • Psychologists study how people politicise personal identities, examining changes in self-perception based on political beliefs.

Education

  • Educators often politicise curriculum content to help students connect academic subjects with real-world issues.
  • Classroom discussions can politicise historical events, encouraging critical thinking about past and present societies.
  • Debates and mock trials in schools can politicise topics, fostering skills in argumentation and civic engagement.

Origin of 'politicise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'politikos', meaning 'of, for, or relating to citizens'.
  • The transition to its modern form occurred in the 19th century, reflecting a rising interest in political discussions.
  • In British English, 'politicise' is often spelled with a 's', while American English prefers 'politicize' with a 'z'.

The word 'politicise' comes from the combination of 'politic', derived from the Latin 'politicus', which pertains to citizens and the art of governance, and the suffix '-ise' which is used in British English to form verbs. The term has evolved to take on a meaning closely related to engaging in or considering matters within a political framework. The usage of 'politicise' has become prominent in modern discourse as discussions surrounding various societal issues increasingly intersect with political ideologies. Its roots reflect the longstanding human inclination to associate governance and public policy with everyday life, evidenced by the increasing tendency to view various aspects of culture, identity, and society through a political lens. As such, the act to 'politicise' is crucial in shaping public perception and legislative outcomes.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,741, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.