Instrumentalise

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To regard a person or thing merely as a tool for achieving an aim ; to put someone or something to use for one's own ends
2. To treat people or objects purely as instruments serving a goal ; to exploit or manipulate something in order to advance a cause
3. To use a person or thing as a mere device for reaching a desired outcome ; to take advantage of something for a particular purpose

Etymology: "Instrumentalise" is simply "instrumental" with the verb-forming suffix "-ise" added to it. The suffix has a long pedigree: it began in ancient Greek as "-izein", which Late Latin took up as "-izare" and passed through Old French into Middle English as "-isen". Its job is to turn a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make into" or "to treat in the manner of" the base word, so that "realise" makes something real and "modernise" makes it modern. Applied to "instrumental", the suffix produces a verb meaning to treat a person or thing as a mere means to an end. The base adjective comes from "instrument" in its older sense of a tool or device, and "instrumental" in English has long meant serving as a means to something. Putting "-ise" on that gives the modern sense of using someone, or something, as a tool for advancing a cause, often without regard for their own interests.

Synonyms: utilise, exploit, commodify