professionalize

especially British, pro·fes·sion·al·ise

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

professionalized, professionalizing 

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

verb (used without object)

professionalized, professionalizing 

1. to become professional.

professionalize

/ prəˈfɛʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• professionalist noun
• professionalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of professionalize¹

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ize

Example Sentences

But he crafted a national strategy to strengthen and professionalize the military, restore the presence and authority of the state across the country, and deliver what he called “democratic security.”

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They hired Persy’s former babysitter, a graphic designer, to professionalize the designs and paid China-based Panda Games to manufacture the game.

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In Ukraine, the added financial firepower is helping professionalize outfits that began in garages and military units—giving them a chance to compete abroad with Western players.

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Among the offices housed in the East Wing is the Office of the First Lady, first professionalized by Eleanor Roosevelt during her husband’s administration.

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Zahn wanted to convey the pressure college coaches face in the increasingly professionalized world of college football.

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