# socialized

/ˈsoʊʃəˌɫaɪzd/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/socialized
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to make something public or shared so that everyone can use it. It often describes things like healthcare or education that the government provides for all citizens.

For teachers: to provide a service or commodity to the public through government funding or public ownership. Often used in political contexts to describe the transition of private services to public control.

## Examples

- The government socialized healthcare to ensure everyone can see a doctor.
- After the economic crisis, the country decided to socialize its rail network to prevent further private sector collapse.
- The debate over whether to socialize the energy sector centers on the balance between market efficiency and the need for equitable access to essential resources.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.