1. the process of confining or isolating a group of people (especially a racial, ethnic, or religious minority) to a specific area or district, often characterized by poor conditions and limited opportunities
Usage: often used in historical contexts referring to forced segregation; can also refer to modern social or economic segregation
2. the process of restricting or limiting something (such as a cultural group, idea, or market) to a narrow or marginalized space
Usage: figurative or extended use

Examples

• The ghettoization of minority communities in the early 20th century created lasting economic disparities.
• Historians study the ghettoization of Jewish populations during the medieval period.
• Urban planners work to prevent the ghettoization of low-income neighborhoods.
• The ghettoization of certain music genres limited their mainstream appeal for decades.
• Some argue that residential segregation policies led to the ghettoization of entire city districts.
• Breaking cycles of ghettoization requires investment in education and economic opportunity.