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professionalize

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-ahyz]
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verb (used with object), pro·fes·sion·al·ized, pro·fes·sion·al·iz·ing.
  1. to give a professional character or status to; make into or establish as a profession.
verb (used without object), pro·fes·sion·al·ized, pro·fes·sion·al·iz·ing.
  1. to become professional.
Also especially British, pro·fes·sion·al·ise.

Origin of professionalize

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ize
Related formspro·fes·sion·al·ist, nounpro·fes·sion·al·i·za·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for professionalize

Historical Examples

  • The personality of many who engage in the work is too ordinary to professionalize any calling.

    Rural Life and the Rural School

    Joseph Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for professionalize

professionalize

professionalise

verb
  1. (tr) to impose a professional structure or status on (something)
Derived Formsprofessionalization or professionalisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for professionalize

v.

1833, from professional (adj.) + -ize. Related: Professionalized; professionalizing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper