constitutionalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Legal
Quick answer
What does “constitutionalize” mean?
To make something part of a constitution or to give something a constitutional basis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something part of a constitution or to give something a constitutional basis.
To interpret or treat something (e.g., a right, principle, or issue) as being grounded in or governed by constitutional law. In a broader, informal sense, it can mean to make something a regular habit or part of one's routine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in the legal/political discourse of both jurisdictions, though the specific constitutional context differs.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, technical connotation related to law and governance.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly more common in American English due to the prominence of constitutional jurisprudence in public discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “constitutionalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] + constitutionalize + [Direct Object] (e.g., The court constitutionalized the right.)[It] + be + constitutionalized + [that-clause] (e.g., It was constitutionalized that...)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constitutionalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parliament sought to constitutionalize the right to privacy through a new bill of rights.
- Some legal scholars argue we should constitutionalize environmental protections.
American English
- The Supreme Court's decision effectively constitutionalized the right to same-sex marriage.
- There is a movement to constitutionalize a balanced budget amendment.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form derived directly from this verb. Use 'constitutional' instead.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form derived directly from this verb. Use 'constitutional' instead.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, law, and history papers discussing the evolution of legal rights.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in sophisticated discussions of politics.
Technical
Core term in constitutional law and legal theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constitutionalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constitutionalize”
- Using it as a synonym for 'make legal' (it's more specific).
- Misspelling as 'constitualize' or 'constitionalize'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'make a habit' is intended (this is very rare and stylistically marked).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in formal legal, academic, and political contexts.
This is a very rare, informal, and often playful extension of the core meaning. In serious writing, it should be avoided in favour of 'make habitual' or 'routinize'.
The related noun is 'constitutionalization' (e.g., the constitutionalization of privacy rights).
Yes. 'Legalize' means to make something legal. 'Constitutionalize' is more specific: it means to embed a principle so deeply in the legal system that it becomes a matter of constitutional law, often granting it stronger protection and making it harder to change.
To make something part of a constitution or to give something a constitutional basis.
Constitutionalize is usually formal, academic, legal in register.
Constitutionalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən.əl.aɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.stəˈtuː.ʃən.əl.aɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To make something part of the CONSTITUTION, you must CONSTITUTIONAL-IZE it.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION IS PERMANENCE (embedding something in a constitution makes it a permanent foundation of the legal system).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'constitutionalize' most appropriately used?