intellectualize /ɪntəˈlɛkt͡ʃuəlaɪz/ verb4 •To treat in an intellectual manner; to discuss or express intellectually.Sentiment is intellectualized emotion. — 1867 •To find a seemingly rational explanation for. •To use (excessive) reasoning and rationalization to block out emotional stress and anxiety associated with painful or traumatic experiences. •To endow with intellect; to bestow intellectual qualities upon; to cause to become intellectual. formsintellectualized · intellectualizing · intellectualizes