'arcticize' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'Arctic' combined with the productive suffix '-ize', where 'Arctic' referred to the polar region and '-ize' meant 'to make or become'.

'Arctic' itself comes from Greek 'arktos' meaning 'bear' (a reference to the northern constellations) via Latin and Old French; the suffix '-ize' derives from Greek '-izein' through Latin/French. The verb 'arcticize' was formed in Modern English by combining 'Arctic' + '-ize'.

Initially it meant 'to make or adapt to Arctic conditions' (a literal sense); over time it has retained that literal meaning and also gained occasional figurative uses meaning 'to make remote, inhospitable, or socially 'cold'.'