To reduce or eliminate liberal or democratic principles, freedoms, and practices in a government or institution.
Modern English formation: 'de-' (to reverse) + 'liberalize' (to make liberal). Created in the late 20th century as political scientists needed language to describe countries moving away from democratic practices.
Countries that deliberately restrict freedoms in elections, press, or courts are sometimes described as 'deliberalizing'—it's a word that challenges the old idea that history always moves toward more freedom!
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