pro·fes·sion·al·ize \prəˈfeshənəlˌīz, prōˈ-, -shnəˌlīz\verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology:professional (I) + -ize transitive verb : to give a professional character to : treat as or convert into a profession < professionalizing the area of law dealing with civil rights — W.H.Hastie > intransitive verb : to assume a professional character : become professional