privatise
UK: ˈpraɪvətaɪz | US: ˈpraɪvətaɪz
vt. To transfer (a business, industry, or service) from public to private ownership or control.
The word "privatise" combines "private," derived from the Latin privatus (meaning "set apart, belonging to oneself"), with the verb-forming suffix "-ise," a British English variant of "-ize." The suffix originates from Greek -izein, indicating action or transformation. The term emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting economic policies shifting assets from state to private hands. The spelling aligns with British conventions, whereas "privatize" is the American variant.
The government plans to privatise the national railway system next year.
Critics argue that privatising healthcare could reduce accessibility for low-income families.
Several countries privatised their telecommunications industries in the 1990s.
The union opposes moves to privatise public utilities.
Economists debate whether privatising education improves efficiency.