depoliticize

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪˈpɒlɪtɪzaɪz/

KK: /dɪˈpɒlɪtɪsaɪz/

transitive verb

Definition

To take away the political influence or control from something, making it neutral or non-political.

Example

The government decided to depoliticize the funding process for public services.

Tense Forms

Past: depoliticized

Past Participle: depoliticized

Conversation

I think we really need to depoliticize some of our local issues.

Yeah, politics can complicate things that shouldn't be political at all.

Exactly! If we could just focus on the community, it would make a big difference.

For sure! A more straightforward approach could really help us all.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

neutralize

secularize

disengage

Antonyms

politicize

influence

control

Root Explanation

Depoliticize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning to remove or reverse) and "politic" (from Greek "politikos", meaning of or relating to citizens or public affairs) and "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word means to remove political influence or character from something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'political' aspect from something — that's what depoliticize means.

Visually Confused Words