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

Harfuch "sought to professionalize, to modernize the intelligence agency to go after crimes," said Gerardo Rodriguez, an academic expert in national security who met Harfuch in 2018.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

One of the efforts to professionalize the process is ICEList, a web database created by Dominick Skinner, an Irish activist based in the Netherlands.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

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.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

During his time in office, critics say López Obrador did little to professionalize Mexico’s municipal and state police forces, many of which have been accused of widespread corruption.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2024

Shawn wanted to professionalize the operation, to invest the profits from the Malad job in new equipment; Dad wanted things to stay the same.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover