1. to think about or discuss something in a rational, analytical way rather than dealing with emotions or practical aspects
Usage: often implies avoiding emotional engagement
2. to make something intellectual in character or give it an intellectual interpretation

Examples

• She tends to intellectualize her problems instead of addressing her feelings.
• The therapist warned against intellectualizing trauma rather than processing it emotionally.
• He intellectualized the conflict by analyzing its historical causes.
• Don’t intellectualize everything – sometimes you need to trust your instincts.
• The professor intellectualized the simple story by adding complex literary theories.
• She intellectualizes her relationships to avoid getting hurt.