( BrE also for·mal·ise ) / ˈfɔːməlaɪz; NAmE ˈfɔːrm-/ verb [ vn ]
1.
to make an arrangement, a plan or a relationship official :
They decided to formalize their relationship by getting married.
2.
to give sth a fixed structure or form by introducing rules :
The college has a highly formalized system of assessment.
► for·mal·iza·tion , for·mal·isa·tion / ˌfɔːməlaɪˈzeɪʃn; NAmE ˌfɔːrmələˈz-/ noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from formal + -ize partly influenced by French formaliser .