Radicalize: meaning, definitions and examples

🔴
Add to dictionary

radicalize

 

[ ˈrædɪkəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

political change

To radicalize means to cause someone or a group to adopt extreme views or behaviors, especially in the context of politics or social issues. This process often involves a shift in perspective where a person's or group's beliefs become more extreme, typically in opposition to established norms or authority. The term suggests a process of transformation from moderate or conventional views towards more revolutionary or extreme positions. Radicalization can occur in various contexts, including religious, political, and social spheres.

Synonyms

change, extremify, revolutionize, transform.

Examples of usage

  • The group aimed to radicalize dissatisfied youth.
  • He became radicalized after exposure to extremist ideologies.
  • Education systems should work to prevent the radicalization of students.

Translations

Translations of the word "radicalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 radicalizar

🇮🇳 कट्टरपंथी बनाना

🇩🇪 radikalisieren

🇮🇩 meradikalisasi

🇺🇦 радикалізувати

🇵🇱 radikalizować

🇯🇵 過激化する

🇫🇷 radicaliser

🇪🇸 radicalizar

🇹🇷 radikalleştirmek

🇰🇷 급진화하다

🇸🇦 تطرف

🇨🇿 radikalizovat

🇸🇰 radikalizovať

🇨🇳 激进化

🇸🇮 radikalizirati

🇮🇸 raddir

🇰🇿 радикализация

🇬🇪 რადიკალიზება

🇦🇿 radikallaşmaq

🇲🇽 radicalizar

Etymology

The term 'radicalize' originates from the word 'radical,' which comes from the Latin 'radicalis,' meaning 'belonging to the root.' In the early 19th century, 'radical' was used to describe individuals who advocated for fundamental political and social reforms. The verb form 'radicalize' began to take shape in the mid-20th century as social movements grew increasingly complex and contentious. This period saw a rise in political activism, particularly among youth, who often felt marginalized. As various movements pushed for drastic changes, the term emerged to describe the process through which individuals or groups adopt more extreme views or actions. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, 'radicalize' has been closely associated with political and religious extremism, especially in the context of terrorism and social upheaval. Understanding radicalization has become vital for countering extremist ideologies and preventing violence.