ghettoize
UK[ˈɡetəʊaɪz]US[ˈɡetoʊaɪz]
v
to put or keep (a group of people) in a situation or area that is separate and often worse than others
v
to isolate or segregate, especially in a way that limits opportunity
Morpheme Breakdown
ghetto
ize
ghetto
ize
Etymology
the word 'ghettoize' is a modern english formation, dating to the early 20th century. its base, 'ghetto', originates from the venetian italian 'ghèto', the name of the island in venice where jews were compelled to live in the 16th century, possibly from 'getto' meaning "foundry" which was located there. the suffix '-ize' comes from the greek '-izein', a verb-forming suffix that passed into latin as '-izāre', then into french and english, used to create verbs meaning "to render, make like, or subject to". therefore, 'ghettoize' literally means "to make into or treat as a ghetto," evolving from a specific historical place name to describe the broader, often socio-economic, process of enforced segregation and isolation.
Analysis
Structure: ghetto + ize
ghetto (noun, italian via venetian) - the functional role is as the base noun denoting a segregated area.
ize (verb-forming suffix, greek via latin and french) - the functional role is to form a verb meaning "to make, to cause to be, or to treat in a specified way".
Examples
the city's housing policies have tended to ghettoize the poor in neighborhoods with few services.
critics argue that the new zoning laws could effectively ghettoize the immigrant community.
the film explores how society can ghettoize artists who challenge mainstream conventions.