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renationalize

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌriːˈnæʃənəlaɪz/

KK: /rɛnəˈʃənlˌaɪz/

verb
Definition

To bring a previously privatized industry or service back under government control.


Example

The government decided to renationalize the railway system to improve public transportation.


Tense Forms

Past: renationalized

Past Participle: renationalized


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear they might renationalize the energy sector soon?
Sloth B
Really? I thought they were happy with privatization.
Sloth A
Yeah, but some people believe it could be better for the economy if they renationalize.
Sloth B
That makes sense; it could help keep prices stable.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reclaim
reacquire
restore
Antonyms
privatize
divest
dismantle
Root Explanation

Renationalize → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "nationalize" (from "nation" which comes from Latin "natio" meaning birth or origin, and "-ize" meaning to make). The word means to make something national again or restore it to national control.

Memory Tip

Think of 'again' ('re-') and 'making something national' ('nationalize') — renationalize means to restore something to national control.

Visually Confused Words
denationalize
rationalize
nationalize
sensationalize
rationalizer
nationalizer
irrationalize
fractionalize
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