What does nationalisation mean?
Nationalisation is the transfer of an industry, company, or other significant asset from private ownership to the state. It may involve the government acquiring shares, taking over an institution, or assuming responsibility for operating a service. The word commonly appears in debates over utilities, railways, energy, banking, and other sectors that governments regard as economically important or socially necessary. Nationalisation can suggest a deliberate policy of public control and, in some contexts, may carry an association with socialism or state-led economic planning. Its American spelling is nationalization. The term should not be confused with ordinary government regulation, which leaves ownership in private hands, although nationalised organisations may also remain subject to public oversight.
nounThe transfer of ownership or control of an industry, company, asset, or service from private or individual control to the state or government.
- The transfer of ownership or control of an industry, company, asset, or service from private hands to the state or government.
- The process by which a private institution or industry is brought under government ownership or control.
"The proposed nationalisation of the railway would place the network under public ownership."
"The government debated the nationalisation of the energy company."
"The bank was rescued without the full nationalisation of its operations."
Plural is used when referring to multiple acts, policies, or instances of nationalisation.
"The nationalisations of banks and utilities reshaped the economy."
Nationalisation changes who owns an economy's essentials: the assets may remain, but control passes from private interests to the public.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nationalisation come from?
Nationalisation was formed in the 19th century from nationalize or nationalise, with the suffix -ation used to create a noun of action or process. Its roots lie in the Latin natio, meaning “birth” or “nation,” which developed through French into English nation and the related adjective national. Cognates in many European languages express both belonging to a nation and the transfer of property or institutions to public ownership.
Related word forms
How nationalisation is actually used
The term is most often used in political and economic discussion. It can imply a change of ownership, broader public control, or both, depending on the context. The spelling nationalization is standard in North American English.
Easily confused with nationalisation
Nationalisation is the standard British spelling, while nationalization is the standard North American spelling of the same noun.