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radicalize

RAD-i-kuh-lyz /ˈrædɪkəlaɪz/

verbC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

To cause (someone) to adopt radical positions on political or social issues.

Implies a process of moving towards extreme or fundamental views, often departing significantly from mainstream or moderate opinions. It can be a gradual or sudden transformation.

The story behind the word. The word 'radicalize' comes from the Latin word 'radix,' meaning 'root.' To be 'radical' originally meant to go to the root or origin of something, implying a fundamental change. Over time, it evolved to describe advocating for extreme or fundamental political and social reforms. Thus, to 'radicalize' someone is to cause them to adopt these 'root-level,' often extreme, positions.

Word relationships

indoctrinate: Indoctrinate means to teach a specific belief system; radicalize means to make someone adopt extreme views, which may involve indoctrination.
extremize: Less common, but means to make extreme; 'radicalize' is the more standard term for people's views.

moderate: To make less extreme or intense.
pacify: To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of.

Commonly confused with

brainwash: Brainwash implies a complete and coercive alteration of beliefs, often against one's will; radicalize is a process of adopting extreme views, which can be self-directed or influenced.

Word family

radicalization (noun): The action or process of causing someone to adopt radical positions.
radical (adjective/noun): Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; a person advocating thorough or complete political or social reform.

Collocations

radicalize youth
radicalize individuals
radicalize a population

Example sentences

"Experts warn that unchecked online propaganda can quickly radicalize vulnerable individuals, leading them down dangerous paths." Discussing the influence of online content.
"Economic hardship and social alienation can create fertile ground for groups seeking to radicalize disaffected youth." In a sociological study of political movements.

Memory hook

Think of getting to the 'ROOT' of an issue and taking an extreme, fundamental stance – that's what it means to radicalize. ROOT-change

When not to use

Do not use 'radicalize' for simply changing one's opinion or becoming more passionate about a cause; it specifically refers to a shift towards extreme, often uncompromising, viewpoints.

Related words

extremism, indoctrination

Explore more words

radical, extremism, revolutionize, brainwash, polarize, Group polarization