ritualize

American  

[rich-oo-uh-lahyz] / ˈrɪtʃ u əˌlaɪz /

especially British, ritualise

verb (used without object)

ritualized, ritualizing

1. to practice ritualism.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• deritualize verb

Etymology

Origin of ritualize

First recorded in 1835–45; ritual + -ize

Example Sentences

"But it also points to a deeper cultural significance, suggesting people recognized the exceptional power of this fertilizer and actively celebrated, protected and even ritualized the vital relationship between seabirds and agriculture."

From Science Daily

We move in a familiar loop: outrage at dysfunction, ritualized critique, then a quiet hope that the same brittle systems will somehow stabilize themselves when the stakes get high.

From Salon

We tolerate misallocation because we are purchasing something other than objects: reassurance, attention, belonging—a ritualized way of saying you matter to me and I am willing to incur a cost to prove it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Choreographer Toran Xavier Moore enhances the effect with ritualized dance moves.

From Los Angeles Times

Dyreson, an Olympic historian, said mistakes were common in the days before the medal ceremonies became so ritualized.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honor
• laud
• observe
• perform
• praise
• proclaim
• revere