(ˈ)dēˈstälə̇ˌnīz, -tal- also -tȯl- or -tȧl- sometimes -lyə̇ˌ- or -l(ˌ)(y)ēˌ- or |dē(ˌ)stäˈlēˌ- or |dē(ˌ)staˈlēˌ- or |dē(ˌ)stȧˈlēˌ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: de- + Joseph Stalin (Dzhugashvili) died 1953 Russ. political leader + English -ize
intransitive verb
: to deflate the influence of Stalin as a Soviet leader of heroic stature by revelations of disastrous state policies and ruthless self-aggrandizement
transitive verb
: to offset and reverse the influence of Stalin on (as sports)