The word "bolshevize" is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s" in the middle because it follows the British English spelling convention. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈbɒlʃᵻvaɪz/. This verb means to convert to or adopt the beliefs and practices of the Bolsheviks, who were a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party. The term arose during the Russian Revolution of 1917, and the word continues to be used in historical and political discussions.
"Bolshevize" is a verb that refers to the act of adopting or implementing the principles, ideology, or strategies associated with Bolshevism. It derives from the noun form "Bolshevism," which designates a revolutionary Marxist political movement that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century.
When a person or group "bolshevizes" something, they are essentially imposing or introducing radical and revolutionary methods, principles, or policies that are reminiscent of the Bolshevik ideology. This verb is often used in a political context, where someone seeks to transform or radicalize an existing system by promoting ideas such as class struggle, nationalization of industry, and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat.
To "bolshevize" can also indicate the process of aligning oneself or adapting one's views and practices in accordance with the principles associated with Bolshevism. This could involve embracing ideas of revolution, the overthrow of capitalism, and the establishment of a socialist or communist society.
Overall, "bolshevize" implies the act of revolutionizing or radicalizing, either by adopting the doctrines of Bolshevism oneself or by advocating for their implementation in a particular context.
The word "bolshevize" is derived from the term "Bolshevik", which originated from the Russian word "bol'shevik" (большевик). The Russian term itself comes from "bol'shinstvo" (большинство), meaning "majority".
During the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, emerged as a faction advocating for the overthrow of the provisional government. As the Bolsheviks gained majority support within the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, their name reflected this fact, distinguishing them from the rival faction known as the Mensheviks, derived from the Russian word "menshinstvo" (меньшинство), meaning "minority".