constitutionalize

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-ahyz, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nlˌaɪz, -ˈtyu- /

especially British, constitutionalise

verb (used with object)

constitutionalized, constitutionalizing

1. to incorporate in a constitution; make constitutional.

2. to provide a constitution for.

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Other Word Forms

• constitutionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutionalize

First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ize

Example Sentences

The struggle to constitutionalize equal rights was one of the most important for the Black community after the Civil War.

From Salon

The court should decline the fruit producers’ plea to constitutionalize a sweeping power to exclude “unwanted persons” — and remind them of the rights they already enjoy.

From Washington Post

I think it’s how issues that certainly were around for a long time, whether it’s women’s rights or African-American rights, became constitutionalized.

From The New Yorker

The 14th constitutionalized the principles of birthright citizenship and equality before the law.

From New York Times

“We need to keep control over those issues in local communities because they are very complex problems, and constitutionalizing the issue ties the hands of cities and states to address this,” Evangelis said.

From Washington Post