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Definition of privatized - 2 dictionary results

pri⋅va⋅tize

[prahy-vuh-tahyz]
–verb (used with object), -tized, -tiz⋅ing.
1. to transfer from public or government control or ownership to private enterprise: a campaign promise to privatize some of the public lands.
2. to make exclusive; delimit or appropriate: special-interest groups attempting to privatize social issues.
Also, especially British, pri⋅va⋅tise.


Origin:
1945–50; private + -ize


pri⋅va⋅ti⋅za⋅tion, noun
pri·va·tize   (prī'və-tīz')   
tr.v.   pri·va·tized, pri·va·tiz·ing, pri·va·tiz·es
To change (an industry or business, for example) from governmental or public ownership or control to private enterprise: "The strike ... was called to protest the ... government's plans to break up and privatize the deficit-ridden national railway system" (Christian Science Monitor).
pri'va·ti·za'tion (-tĭ-zā'shən) n.
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