instrumentalize

IPA/ˌɪnstɹəmˈɛntəlˌaɪz/
IPA/ˌɪnstɹəmˈɛntəlˌaɪz/

instrumentalize — verb

  • instrumentalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • instrumentalizes3rd person singular
  • instrumentalizing-ing form
  • instrumentalizedpast simple

1. to use a person, group, idea, or situation as a tool to achieve a particular goa

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to use a person, group, idea, or situation as a tool to achieve a particular goal, often in a strategic or dishonest way that ignores their real value or needs.

例句

The senator instrumentalized public fear of crime to push through stricter sentencing laws.

instrumentalize + [abstract fear] + to-infinitive

Kwame argued that the charity instrumentalized the children's suffering in its fundraising advertisements.

同義詞
  • exploit

    stronger focus on taking unfair advantage; more common in everyday English

  • manipulate

    emphasises controlling or influencing people, not just using them as means

  • weaponize

    stronger, suggesting something is turned into a weapon; used in similar political contexts

反義詞
  • respect

    treats the person or thing as having value in itself, not as a means

文法句型

instrumentalize + object

instrumentalize + object + for + purpose

instrumentalize + object + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently used in political or sociological analysis and carries a negative connotation, implying that something is being treated as a mere means to an end rather than respected for its own value.

常見錯誤

❌He instrumentalized the guitar before the concert.
✅He tuned the guitar before the concert.
💡'instrumentalize' does not mean 'to play or prepare an instrument'; it means 'to use something as a tool for a purpose.'
❌The new software instrumentalizes the accounting process.
✅The new software streamlines the accounting process.
💡'instrumentalize' is not a general synonym for 'make easier' or 'improve'; it carries a strategic or manipulative sense.