Definition

Not under the control of religious authorities; made secular or non-religious.

Example

The laicized organization focused on community service without religious influence.

Conversation

Have you read about the church being laicized?

Yeah, it’s interesting how they’re trying to separate religion from politics.

I think it’s about time things got a bit more laicized in our society.

Definitely! It might help bring more balance to the discussions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something secular or non-religious, especially in relation to institutions or practices that were previously religious.

Example

The church was laicized, allowing it to operate independently of religious authority.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that the church has laicized some of its clergy recently?

Yeah, I read about that. It's a pretty big change for them.

I wonder how the community is reacting to the fact that they’ve laicized those members.

Root Explanation

Laicized → It is formed from 'laic' (from Greek 'laikos', meaning of the people) and '-ize' (meaning to make or to become). The word 'laicized' means to make something secular or to remove it from ecclesiastical authority, thus relating to the people rather than the clergy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'laic' meaning 'of the people' and '-ize' meaning 'to make' — so laicized means to make something secular or related to the general public.

Visually Confused Words