politicize

This page is about the dysphemism politicize

Meaning

to claim that something has political meaning or social importance

For example

  • How dare you politicize this tragic school shooting by talking about gun control!

  • I'm not politicizing it! I'm just saying it's too easy for kids to get guns.

Note:
For advanced learners: This word is a dysphemism when it's used to imply that objective and reasonable comments are politically biased. For example, if an event like a school shooting could damage the interests of a group like the NRA (National Rifle Association), the US gun manufacturers' lobby group, the group and its supporters will accuse anyone who mentions gun control of "politicizing" the shooting. By using this word, they're attacking such people by implying they're politically biased and can't be trusted.

Quick Quiz

"Politicize" is a dysphemism when it's used to attack

a. biased comments

b. unbiased comments

c. ridiculous comments
a) biased comments b) unbiased comments c) ridiculous comments

Contributor: Matt Errey