Partisanize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To cause to adopt a biased or strongly supportive attitude toward a particular group or cause ; to encourage partisanship or factionalism within a community or organization ; to divide loyalties and promote allegiance to one side over others
2. To induce partiality by promoting allegiance or favoritism toward a specific faction or ideology ; to instigate division by encouraging strong support for one cause ; to encourage the development of opposing groups within a society or entity
3. To stimulate a mindset favoring one party or viewpoint exclusively ; to foster division by urging commitment to a particular interest group ; to influence individuals or groups to adopt a stance based on partial loyalty rather than neutrality

Etymology: "Partisanize" is simply "partisan" with the verb-making suffix "-ize" attached. The suffix comes from Greek "-izein", which Latin took up as "-izare" and which English adopted in large numbers, so that verbs such as "organize" and "standardize" follow the same pattern. Adding it to "partisan" produces a verb meaning to make something partisan, that is, to give it a one-sided, faction-driven character. The base word has a more dramatic past. "Partisan" comes from French "partisan", derived from Italian "partigiano", which in turn grew from "parte", meaning a part or a faction. Its earliest sense was a member of an irregular armed group fighting behind enemy lines, and the same word was also used for a supporter of a political party or cause. The sense of uncompromising loyalty to one side then carried over into everyday talk about politics and argument.

Synonyms: polarize, bias, align, support, favor

Antonyms: neutralize, unite, harmonize, balance, disfavor