institutionalize

especially British, in·sti·tu·tion·al·ise

[in-sti-too-shuh-nl-ahyz, -tyoo-]

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.

institutionalize

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• institutionalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of institutionalize¹

First recorded in 1860–65; institutional + -ize

Example Sentences

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

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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.”

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While initially convicted of first-degree murder in Worden’s death, he was eventually declared not guilty by reason of insanity — diagnosed as schizophrenic — and was institutionalized until his death due to complications from cancer in 1984.

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As a lawyer and law professor, however, Gould’s scholarship about institutionalized racism in employment relations became a byword.

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“I’m kind of institutionalized by touring,” he admitted, noting his four solo albums that needed promoting.

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Related Words

• regulate