nationalize

verb

na·​tion·​al·​ize ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
nationalized; nationalizing

transitive verb

1
: to give a national character to
2
: to invest control or ownership of in the national government
nationalization
ˌna-sh(ə-)nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
noun
nationalizer
ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
noun

Examples of nationalize in a Sentence

The government nationalized the health-care system in the mid-1950s. nationalizing the country's oil supply
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.
Now Betancourt’s company, North American Blue Energy Partners, based in Barbados, could be one of the first private firms to directly participate in Venezuela’s oil industry since it was nationalized half a century ago. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Burgess’s view Andrews needs national support but absolutely does not need her race nationalized. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Canada holds substantial deposits of many of the same minerals and has its own critical minerals strategy; Mexico nationalized its lithium reserves in 2022. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 In 1969, amid the green revolution, the government nationalized major commercial banks to expand institutional credit and promote rural development. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationalize

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nationalize was in 1799

Rhymes for nationalize

See All Rhymes for nationalize

Browse Nearby Words

nationalization
nationalize
nationalizer
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Cite this Entry

“Nationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationalize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nationalize

verb
na·​tion·​al·​ize ˈnash-nəl-ˌīz How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-
nationalized; nationalizing
1
: to make national
2
: to remove from private ownership and place under government control
nationalize railroads
nationalization
-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

nationalize

transitive verb
na·​tion·​al·​ize ˈna-shə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce nationalize (audio)
nationalized; nationalizing
: to invest control or ownership of in the national government
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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