1. to make something political or give it a political character
2. to become involved in or aware of politics

Examples

• The disaster relief effort became politicized when different parties blamed each other.
• Critics accused the mayor of trying to politicize the school board election.
• The environmental issue was quickly politicized by both sides.
• She became politicized during her college years.
• The media coverage seemed to politicize what should have been a simple policy discussion.
• Many young people become politicized through social media.
• The committee tried not to politicize the budget review process.