See Also: de-institutionalize(dictionary)
institutionalize(dictionary)
institutionalize(dictionary)

institutionalize (iou)



institutionalize verb trans. Also institutionalise. M19.
[from INSTITUTIONAL + -IZE.]
Make institutional; convert into or treat as an institution. Freq. as institutionalized ppl adjective. M19.
institutionalized racism unequal treatment of people from different ethnic backgrounds that is established in practice or by custom and usage, e.g. in the workings of a police force or other body.
C. Francis The Spaniards..had institutionalised torture under the guise of the Inquisition. M. Seymour-Smith A marvellous satirist..who had sold out to institutionalized religion.
b. Linguistics. Of a speech community: recognize or accept (a word, phrase, etc.). Usu. in pass. M20.
Place or keep (a person needing care) in an institution; subject to institutional life, esp. for a period of time resulting in unfitness for life outside an institution. Freq. as institutionalized ppl adjective. E20.
Daily Telegraph Because he was hopelessly institutionalised he was unable to look after himself when free. G. Paley You're a handicapped person mentally...You should have been institutionalized years ago.
institutionali'zation noun M20.