noun

denazification

dee-nah-tsih-fih-KAY-shun

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Denazification (noun) means the post-war effort to purge Nazi supporters from government, the civil service and other influential jobs in Germany and Austria. Example: “Denazification was one of the tasks faced by the occupying powers after the war.”

noun

The post-war effort to purge Nazi supporters from government, the civil service and other influential jobs in Germany and Austria.

"Denazification was one of the tasks faced by the occupying powers after the war."

"Historians still debate how thorough denazification really was."

"The book examines denazification in the schools and the civil service."

How to use denazification

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGetting rid of Nazi influence in German and Austrian public life after 1945.

When to use it

It is a historical and academic term, mostly found in writing about the post-war period.

Memory tip

The de- prefix means removal, so the word describes taking something out rather than adding it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

post-war denazification denazification process denazification of Germany

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “denazification” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ was one of the tasks faced by the occupying powers after the war.

Etymology

The word is formed in English from the prefix de- and the noun Nazification.

Origin: English

Rhymes for denazification

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does denazification mean?

It means clearing Nazi supporters out of government and other influential jobs. The term is used for the process in Germany and Austria after the Second World War.

How do you spell denazification?

The usual spelling is denazification, though de-nazification and de-Nazification are also seen.

What is the word denazification made from?

It is made from the prefix de- and the word Nazification.

What is the meaning of denazification?

"denazification" (noun) means the post-war effort to purge Nazi supporters from government, the civil service and other influential jobs in Germany and Austria.