in·sti·tu·tion·al·iza·tion \-ələ̇ˈzāshən, -əlˌīˈz-, -ələ̇ˈz-, -əˌlīˈz-\noun (-s) 1.: the quality or state of being or becoming institutionalized < a pleasant custom always has a tendency toward institutionalization > 2.: the action or a result of institutionalizing < the institutionalization of the insane >