What does radicalise mean?
Radicalise means to make a person, organization, process, or idea more radical. It is most commonly used in political and social contexts, describing efforts that push existing ideas or institutions toward more fundamental change. The word can also apply more broadly when something is transformed into an extreme or fundamentally different version of itself. Its connotations can be positive, suggesting bold reform and progress, or negative, implying excessive change, extremism, or disruption. For example, a campaign might radicalise a movement by giving previously cautious participants more ambitious goals, while a new approach to a business might radicalise its design practices. The related noun radicalisation is often used in political reporting and academic discussion.
verbTo make something or someone more radical, especially by introducing or supporting fundamental political or social change. It can also mean to make something fundamentally different or extreme in character.
- To make a person, organization, or process more radical, especially in political or social terms.
- To make something fundamentally different, extreme, or uncompromising.
"The reform movement sought to radicalise public education by promoting smaller classes and greater student participation."
"Digital campaigns helped radicalise the opposition movement."
"The new director radicalised the company's traditional approach to design."
To radicalise something is not merely to change it, but to push it toward a more fundamental or transformative vision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does radicalise come from?
The verb combines radical, from Latin radix, meaning “root,” with the suffix -ise, which forms a verb indicating a process or action. The same Latin root underlies words such as radish, through French, and is associated with the idea of roots or origins. The suffix form radicalise became established in English during the 19th century, particularly in political language.
Related word forms
How radicalise is actually used
The word is especially associated with political and social change and may suggest a rapid or uncompromising transformation. The spelling is common in British English; the US spelling is radicalize.
Easily confused with radicalise
Radicalise is a verb meaning to make something radical, whereas radical is primarily an adjective or noun describing something extreme, fundamental, or belonging to a political movement.