privatize

verb

pri·​vat·​ize ˈprī-və-ˌtīz How to pronounce privatize (audio)
privatized; privatizing; privatizes

transitive verb

: to make private
especially : to change from public to private control or ownership
privatize an industry
The mayor's threat to privatize trash collection shook things up. Jeff Bailey
privatization noun

Examples of privatize in a Sentence

The city decided to privatize the municipal power company. a proposal to privatize the health-care system
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such a change would effectively privatize the program, because people tend to stick with the plans they're initially enrolled in, health analysts say. Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024 Indeed, Musk—who has previously fixated on privatizing Mars, running Twitter into the ground, and making delicate EVs—has found a new toy to play with: America’s democracy. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 And outdoors, the grounds, privatized by dense foliage, span just under a quarter-acre and host a kitchen and barbecue setup, a sunken lounging spot, and an infinity-edge pool and spa flanked by a sundeck. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 Project 2025 proposes privatizing the air traffic control system and increasing user fees to raise money for the chronically underfunded agency. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for privatize 

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of privatize was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near privatize

Cite this Entry

“Privatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privatize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

privatize

transitive verb
pri·​va·​tize ˈprī-və-ˌtīz How to pronounce privatize (audio)
privatized; privatizing
: to make private
especially : to change (as a business or industry) from public to private control or ownership
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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