Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-m ə - ˌ l ī z
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -ized ; -iz · ing
Date: 1646
1 : to give a certain or definite form to : SHAPE
2 a : to make formal b : to give formal status or approval to
– for · mal · iz · able \ - ˌ l ī -z ə -b ə l \ adjective
– for · mal · i · za · tion \ ˌ fo ̇ r-m ə -l ə - ' z ā -sh ə n \ noun
– for · mal · iz · er \ ' fo ̇ r-m ə - ˌ l ī -z ə r \ noun