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formalize

[fawr-muh-lahyz]

Origin

verb (used with object), for·mal·ized, for·mal·iz·ing.

to make formal, especially for the sake of official or authorized acceptance: to formalize an understanding by drawing up a legal contract.

to give a definite form or shape to.

to state or restate (the rules or implied rules of a grammar or the like) in symbolic form.

Also, especially British, for·mal·ise.

Origin:
1590–1600; formal¹ + -ize

Related forms

for·mal·i·za·tion, noun

for·mal·iz·er, noun

o·ver·for·mal·ize, verb, o·ver·for·mal·ized, o·ver·for·mal·iz·ing.

un·for·mal·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Formalize is one of our favorite verbs.

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to spend time idly; loaf.

to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

formalize or formalise (ˈfɔːməˌlaɪz)

—vb
1.	to be or make formal
2.	(tr) to make official or valid
3.	(tr) to give a definite shape or form to
4.	logic to extract the logical form of (an expression), to express in the symbols of some formal system

formalise or formalise

—vb

formali'zation or formalise

—n

formali'sation or formalise

—n

'formalizer or formalise

—n

'formaliser or formalise

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source

Etymonline

Word Origin & History

formalize

1590s, from formal + -ize. Related: Formalized; formalizing.

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"Opinions are not to be learned by rote, like the letters of an alphabet, or the words of a dictionary. They are conclusions to be formed, and formed by each individual in the sacred and free citadel of the mind, and there enshrined beyond the arm of law to reach, or force to shake; ay! and beyond the right of impertinent curiosity to violate, or presumptuous arrogance to threaten."

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