- ə lˌīz, -əˌlīz transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: institutional + -ize
1. : to give the character of an institution to : make into or treat like an institution
modern society tends to institutionalize its burdens
especially : to incorporate into a system of organized and often highly formalized belief, practice, or acceptance
the Japanese institutionalized suicide
institutionalized graft
2. : to place in or commit to the care of a specialized institution (as for the insane, alcoholics, epileptics, delinquent youth, or the aged)
3. : to accustom (a person) so firmly to the care and supervised routine of an institution as to make incapable of managing a life outside