commercialize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to develop an idea, product, or service so that it can be sold commercially

   The startup secured funding to commercialize its battery technology.

2. 2
   verb

   to organize or exploit an activity chiefly for profit, often at the expense of its original character or quality

   Critics accused the organizers of trying to commercialize the sacred festival.

Formed in the nineteenth century from commercial + -ize. Commercial came through French from Late Latin commercialis, based on Latin commercium, 'trade or exchange.' The verb first meant to subject something to commercial practice and later developed the critical sense 'exploit for profit.'

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