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institutionalize


in·sti·tu·tion·al·ize

verb \-shnə-ˌlīz, -shə-nə-ˌlīz\
in·sti·tu·tion·al·izedin·sti·tu·tion·al·iz·ing

Definition of INSTITUTIONALIZE

transitive verb
1
: to make into an institution : give character of an institution to <institutionalized housing>; especially : to incorporate into a structured and often highly formalized system <institutionalized values>
2
: to put in the care of an institution <institutionalize alcoholics>
in·sti·tu·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtü-shnə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -shə-nə-lə-ˈzā-\ noun

Examples of INSTITUTIONALIZE

  1. It will take time to institutionalize these reforms.
  2. They had to institutionalize their youngest son.
  3. She was institutionalized for seven years.

First Known Use of INSTITUTIONALIZE

1865

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