fed·er·al·ize \ˈfed(ə)rəˌlīz\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: French fédéraliser, from fédéral federal (probably from English federal) (I) + -iser -ize 1.: to unite in or under a federal compact or a federal government < attempting to federalize the independent states of Europe > 2.: to bring under the usually sole jurisdiction of the federal government < it does not federalize the unemployment-compensation system — H.S.Truman >