The word "illiberalizing" refers to the act of becoming less liberal or tolerant. In terms of spelling, the word can be broken down into four syllables: i-lli-ber-a-liz-ing. The first syllable is pronounced as "eye" (aɪ), the second as "li" (lɪ), the third as "ber" (bɜː), and the fourth as "uh-lahy-zing" (ʌɪl-ə-raɪ-zɪŋ). The pronunciation emphasizes the "I" in the first syllable and the "al" in the final syllable, giving the word a strong, assertive sound.
Illiberalizing, a verb derived from the adjective "illiberal," refers to the process or action of restricting or diminishing liberal ideals, values, or practices within a society, institution, or system. The term can also be used to describe the imposition of measures that undermine or curtail individual freedoms, civil liberties, or democratic principles. Illiberalizing actions typically involve the erosion of pluralism, tolerance, openness, and respect for diversity, ultimately leading to a more constricted, authoritarian, or undemocratic mode of governance.
When a country undergoes illiberalization, it often signifies a shift away from liberal democracy and towards an increasingly autocratic, repressive, or centralized political structure. This can involve the restriction of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, or press, as well as the weakening of judicial independence, electoral integrity, or checks and balances. Illiberalizing measures may be implemented by a government as a deliberate strategy to consolidate power, silence dissent, or manipulate public opinion.
In a broader sense, illiberalizing can also be applied to non-governmental entities or social dynamics, where the principles and values of liberalism, such as equality, individual rights, or free markets, are intentionally undermined or marginalized. This could occur within an organization, a community, or even in interpersonal relationships. Illiberalizing actions tend to be characterized by intolerance, exclusivity, illiberal ideologies, or the suppression of opposing viewpoints.
The word "illiberalizing" is derived from the adjective "illiberal". "Illiberal" itself is a combination of the Latin prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "opposite of" and the word "liberalis" meaning "pertaining to a free man" or "befitting a freeman". In its original Latin form, "liberalis" was associated with concepts of freedom, generosity, and openness.
Over time, "liberal" acquired various meanings, including ones related to political or social freedom, tolerance, individual rights, and progressive ideologies. However, "illiberal" emerged as a term specifically to refer to attitudes or actions contrary to these liberal values. It signifies a lack of tolerance, narrow-mindedness, or a rejection of democratic principles.