English

Alternative forms

• intellectualise (UK)

Verb

intellectualize ‎(third-person singular simple present intellectualizes, present participle intellectualizing, simple past and past participle intellectualized)

1. To treat in an intellectual manner; to discuss or express intellectually.

   Sentiment is intellectualized emotion. — Lowell.

2. To endow with intellect; to bestow intellectual qualities upon; to cause to become intellectual.
3. (US, transitive) to find a seemingly rational explanation for something:
   1. (psychology) to use (excessive) reasoning and rationalization to block out emotional stress and anxiety associated with painful or traumatic experiences

Derived terms

• overintellectualize