privatisation

[/ˌprɪvətaɪˈzeɪʃən/]
nounfemininepl: privatisations
privatização
1. The transfer of ownership or control of a public company, service, or industry from government or public sector to private individuals or companies
The privatisation of the railway system was controversial among workers.
A privatização do sistema ferroviário foi controversa entre os trabalhadores.
2. The process of converting a state-owned enterprise into a private business entity
The government announced plans for the privatisation of several utilities.
O governo anunciou planos para a privatização de várias concessionárias.
3. The act of making something private or restricting access to something previously public
The privatisation of public spaces has reduced community gathering areas.
A privatização de espaços públicos reduziu as áreas de encontro comunitário.
Privatisation is a contentious political and economic topic in both Brazil and Portugal. In Brazil, it gained prominence during the 1990s under President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and remains debated in discussions about infrastructure (ports, airports, energy). The term carries ideological weight, with supporters viewing it as economic liberalization and opponents seeing it as loss of public control over essential services. In the USA, 'privatization' is a standard policy term across political spectrum but often reflects libertarian or conservative economic philosophy.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
privatizationdenationalizationcommercializationprivatising
Antonyms / Antônimos
nationalizationpublicizationnationalisatonsocialization

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
privatização
Standard term used in economic and political contexts
Portugal
privatização
Same term used; British English spelling influence in Portugal
São Paulo
privatização
Common in business and news media, especially regarding infrastructure
United States English
privatization
American spelling without the 's'; widely used in policy discussions

Related Words

privatizeprivatepublic sectorderegulationliberalizationenterprise

Related Idioms & Phrases

privatisation of profits and socialization of losses
wave of privatisation
forced privatisation
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →