Definition

To change something, like a business or service, from being owned or controlled by the government to being owned or controlled by private individuals or companies.

Example

The government decided to privatize the national airline to improve efficiency.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear they might privatize the local hospital?

Yeah, I read that too. It could change a lot.

I wonder how it will affect the quality of care.

Exactly, I'm worried that it might prioritize profit over patients.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Privatize → It is formed from "private" (from Latin *privatus*, meaning belonging to oneself or personal) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "privatize" means to make something private or to transfer ownership from public to private control.

Memory Tip

Think of something that becomes 'personal' ('private') when it is 'made' ('-ize') — that's why privatize means to make something private.

Visually Confused Words