politicize
UK: pəˈlɪtɪsaɪz | US: pəˈlɪtɪsaɪz
vt. to make something political or involve it in politics
vt. to give a political character or bias to something
The word "politicize" combines "politic," derived from the Greek "politikos" (meaning "of citizens or the state"), with the suffix "-ize," which originates from Greek "-izein" and Latin "-izare." This suffix is commonly used to form verbs indicating transformation or causation. The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the act of bringing political dimensions into non-political contexts. The logic is straightforward: "politic" (the core concept) + "-ize" (the action of making something adopt that concept).
The media often politicizes scientific debates, turning them into partisan issues.
Activists warned against attempts to politicize the judicial system.
Some educators argue that schools should not politicize the curriculum.
The crisis was politicized by both sides to gain public support.
Artists sometimes resist efforts to politicize their work.