IPA: /ˌdɛmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃən/
KK: /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The process of making a system or country more democratic, where people have a say in how they are governed.
The democratization of the country led to greater participation in the political process.
Democratization is formed from "demokratia" (from Greek, meaning rule by the people) and the suffix "-ization" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The word refers to the process of making a system or organization more democratic, or allowing more participation from the people.
Think of 'rule by the people' ('demokratia') and remember that 'democratization' means the process of making something more democratic.