The word "politicalise" is spelled with a "c" instead of an "s" due to its British English origin. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /pəˈlɪtɪkəlaɪz/. It means to make something political or to bring politics into a previously non-political situation. Although the spelling may seem unusual to speakers of American English, it is a valid spelling in British English and is widely recognized in international English usage.
The term "politicalise" refers to the process of making something political or involving a political aspect, often with the intention of influencing public opinion or advancing political interests. It encompasses the act of introducing or emphasizing political considerations in a situation, subject, or discourse that may not have initially been primarily political in nature.
Politicalisation can occur through several means, such as utilizing propaganda, mobilizing supporters, or framing issues in a way that aligns with a particular political agenda. This process aims to shape public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards a particular topic, often with the goal of garnering support, swaying public opinion, or achieving specific policy objectives.
Whether it be through news media, social media, or other forms of communication, politicalisation can be observed in a variety of contexts. For instance, a non-political event or discussion may become politicalised when politicians or interest groups attempt to exploit or manipulate it for their own gain. Additionally, politicalising can occur within academic or intellectual spheres when scholars or researchers incorporate political considerations into their analysis or interpretations.
The act of politicalising can be controversial, as it may involve the distortion or manipulation of facts, or the suppression of alternative perspectives, in favor of advancing a particular political agenda. Consequently, individuals and groups with opposing views may criticize the process of politicalisation, viewing it as an attempt to influence public opinion in an unfair or biased manner.
The word "politicalise" is derived from the noun "politics" and the suffix "-ize".
The noun "politics" traces its origins back to the ancient Greek word "polis", meaning "city" or "state". In ancient Greece, "polis" referred to a self-governing city-state, and eventually, it evolved to denote the affairs and organization of the city-state.
The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek suffix "-izein", which denotes the process of making or becoming. It was later adopted by the English language to form verbs that indicate the action of making, transforming, or becoming something.
When combined, "politicalise" therefore means to make or become political, or to bring something under the influence or domain of politics. It implies the act of politicizing or making something related or pertinent to political matters.