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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.

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

"These ritualized let’s go rumbles made by the most socially integrated males really make my heart sing," study co-author, Dr. Caitlin E O'Connell-Rodwell from Stanford University, told Salon.

From Salon