Definition

The process of treating something as a medical issue, often by applying medical terminology or interventions to it.

Example

The medicalization of mental health issues has changed how society views and treats these conditions.

Conversation

I was reading about the concept of medicalization in society.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It's basically when normal behaviors or experiences are treated as medical issues.

That makes sense, but it can be a bit concerning sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Medicalization → It is formed from "medicus" (meaning physician or healer) and "-ization" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a process or action). The word "medicalization" refers to the process of treating something as a medical issue or condition.

Memory Tip

Think of a physician ('medicus') involved in a process ('-ization') that turns a situation into a medical issue — that's what medicalization means.

Visually Confused Words