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Definition of privatize

privatize

/ˈpɹaɪvəˌtaɪz/
(UK: privatise)
pri · va · tize
Adjective:privatized
•
Past Simple:privatized
•
Past Participle:privatized
•
Present Participle:privatizing
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privatize Lexical Profile

privatize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To transfer a business, industry, or public service from government ownership and control to private enterprise.

Example

"The government decided to privatize the national railway system in an effort to reduce public spending."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for privatize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for privatize

• Rhymes for privatize

• Nearby Words

privateness
privates
privatization
privatize
privet
privilege
privileged

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century from the adjective 'private' (from Latin 'privatus', meaning set apart from the state) and the verbal suffix '-ize', gaining widespread economic currency in the 1970s and 1980s.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Privatize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/privatize
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