Nationalization is when a government takes control of private businesses, industries, or resources and makes them publicly owned. It is often done to protect key services, control strategic resources, or pursue social or economic goals.
From *national* (relating to a nation) + *-ize* (to make) + *-ation* (the process of). The term became common in the 19th and 20th centuries during debates about state control of industries.
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