subsidize

especially British, sub·si·dise

[suhb-si-dahyz]

verb (used with object)

subsidized, subsidizing 

1. to furnish or aid with a subsidy.

2. to purchase the assistance of by the payment of a subsidy.

3. to secure the cooperation of by bribery; buy over.

subsidize

/ ˈsʌbsɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to aid or support with a subsidy

2. to obtain the aid of by means of a subsidy

Other Word Forms

• subsidizer noun
• subsidizable adjective
• subsidization noun
• desubsidization noun
• desubsidize verb (used with object)
• nonsubsidized adjective
• unsubsidized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsidize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; subsid(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

The most severely disabled seeking rooms in new apartments constructed expressly for them on the West L.A. campus were being denied because their disability compensation exceeded income limits required of the subsidized housing.

From Los Angeles Times

California nearly scrapped its new Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, which subsidizes nonprofit programs, this year before lawmakers restored it.

From Los Angeles Times

The waiting list for subsidized child care slots is still so long that some parents have taken to calling it the “no hope list,” said Ignatius.

From Los Angeles Times

The work requirement will be the first imposed nationwide in the six-decade history of Medicaid, the program that provides free and subsidized health insurance to disabled and low-income Americans.

From Los Angeles Times

Big Law, with its deep ranks of attorneys and paying clients to subsidize their volunteer work, is in a unique position to help.

From Salon

Related Words

• bankroll 
• contribute 
• finance 
• fund 
• promote 
• sponsor 
• underwrite 

When To Use

What does subsidize mean?

To subsidize is to grant a subsidy—a direct payment made by a government to a company or other organization as a form of assistance.The process of subsidizing is subsidization. Governments often subsidize particular industries, such as through granting farm subsidies. The word subsidy is most commonly used to refer to such payments.More generally, subsidy can refer to any grant or monetary contribution. More specifically, it can refer to a payment made by one government to another for a particular service, often according to a treaty.Less commonly, the word subsidize can mean to gain someone’s cooperation through bribery.Subsidize is sometimes spelled subsidise (especially in British English).Example: The government is subsidizing my company to help expedite the manufacturing of healthcare products.