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Synonyms

ritualize

American  
[rich-oo-uh-lahyz] / ˈrɪtʃ u əˌlaɪz /
especially British, ritualise

verb (used without object)

ritualized, ritualizing
  1. to practice ritualism.


verb (used with object)

ritualized, ritualizing
  1. to make into a ritual.

    to ritualize the serving of tea.

  2. to convert (someone) to ritualism; impose ritualism upon.

ritualize British  
/ ˈrɪtjʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

  1. (intr) to engage in ritualism or devise rituals

  2. (tr) to make (something) into a ritual

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • deritualize verb

Etymology

Origin of ritualize

First recorded in 1835–45; ritual + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The nails also symbolize self-expression and the small acts of personal upkeep that many people rely on — or ritualize — in order to persevere on a daily basis.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2021

Professor, activist and author Maulana Karenga would ritualize and sacralize the cultural and moral underpinnings of these practices in the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2019

In your case, it might mean learning to ritualize walking outdoors, reading poetry or listening to a favorite piece of music.

From Washington Post • Aug. 10, 2018

Both works ritualize "Macbeth" into a stylized allegory without sacrificing any of the visceral horror.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2015

Can civilization go farther than to ritualize death as we have done?

From Rosinante to the Road Again by Dos Passos, John