constitutionalize

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-ahyz, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nlˌaɪz, -ˈtyu- /

especially British, constitutionalise

verb (used with object)

constitutionalized, constitutionalizing

1. to incorporate in a constitution; make constitutional.

2. to provide a constitution for.

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Other Word Forms

• constitutionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutionalize

First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ize

Example Sentences

The 14th Amendment was intended to constitutionalize, not alter, the Civil Rights Act.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The struggle to constitutionalize equal rights was one of the most important for the Black community after the Civil War.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2024

The court should decline the fruit producers’ plea to constitutionalize a sweeping power to exclude “unwanted persons” — and remind them of the rights they already enjoy.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2021

If you’re going to constitutionalize the introduction of bad evidence, why draw the line at bad eyewitness IDs?

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2011

One of the aims is to "constitutionalize the free university" and give students an education based upon what they, rather than the faculty, regard as contemporary and relevant.

From Time Magazine Archive