professionalize

American  

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-ahyz] / prəˈfɛʃ ə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, professionalise

verb (used with object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to give a professional character or status to; make into or establish as a profession.

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verb (used without object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to become professional.

professionalize British  

/ prəˈfɛʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to impose a professional structure or status on (something)

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Other Word Forms

• professionalist noun
• professionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of professionalize

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ize