institutionalize Definition

institutionalize
institutionalise
verb institutionalized, institutionalizing

1. To place someone in an institution.
2. To make someone lose their individuality and ability to cope with life by keeping them in an institution (eg a long-stay hospital or prison) for too long.

Example: After so long in prison, she was completely institutionalized
3. To make something into an institution.

Derivative: institutionalization
noun

Etymology: 19c.