institutionalize

American  

[in-sti-too-shuh-nl-ahyz, -tyoo-] / ˌɪn stɪˈtu ʃə nlˌaɪz, -ˈtyu- /

especially British, institutionalise

verb (used with object)

institutionalized, institutionalizing

1. to make institutional.

2. to make into or treat as an institution.

   the danger of institutionalizing racism.

3. to place or confine in an institution, especially one for the care of mental illness, alcoholism, etc.

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institutionalize British  

/ ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr; often passive) to subject to the deleterious effects of confinement in an institution

   a mental patient who was institutionalized into boredom and apathy

2. (tr) to place in an institution

3. to make or become an institution

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Other Word Forms

• institutionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of institutionalize

First recorded in 1860–65; institutional + -ize

Example Sentences

She is also briefly institutionalized, and has biblical visions during this time that further her evolution as a sacred leader.

From The Wall Street Journal

All three of the audited facilities house individuals who are either incarcerated or institutionalized because they were deemed by the courts to be dangerous or unfit to stand trial.

From Los Angeles Times

Alice’s thoughts spin out of control; she grows paranoid and reckless; soon she is in the grip of a complete psychotic breakdown and has to be institutionalized.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts suggest China’s move is noteworthy, institutionalizing its export control system.

From Barron's

She said that further guidance will be coming soon as the SBA works “closely with industry leaders and Administration officials to uncover the depth of institutionalized debanking practices.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• regulate