professionalize

American  

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-ahyz] / prəˈfɛʃ ə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, professionalise

verb (used with object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to give a professional character or status to; make into or establish as a profession.

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verb (used without object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to become professional.

professionalize British  

/ prəˈfɛʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to impose a professional structure or status on (something)

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Other Word Forms

• professionalist noun
• professionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of professionalize

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ize

Example Sentences

Indiana’s rise has happened as college football’s gone sideways, shedding its phony amateurism for something professionalized and completely amok.

From The Wall Street Journal

He went on to Harvard Business School, and professionalized his knack for assessing risk and knowing when to bet.

From The Wall Street Journal

For many of the program’s students, the schooling offers a chance to professionalize their passion.

From Los Angeles Times

Their job satisfaction worries me, even as I’m encouraged by how steadily the field is professionalizing.

From Salon

Running one of the most important, influential venues in the nation, she also helped professionalize the concert business.

From The Wall Street Journal