formalize

/ˌfɔrməˈlaɪz/

Other forms: formalized; formalizing; formalizes

To formalize something is to give it an official kind of status, like when you formalize an agreement by signing a contract.

Two people can formalize their love and commitment to each other by getting married, and your grandparents can formalize their plan to leave their money to a certain charity by writing a will. In fact, one good way to formalize almost anything is to draw up a legal document. This verb comes from formal and its root that means "a shape or a form."

Definitions of formalize

1. verb

   make formal or official
   “We formalized the appointment and gave him a title”

   synonyms: formalise

   types:

   ritualise, ritualize

   make or evolve into a ritual

   type of:

   adjudge, declare, hold

   declare to be
2. verb

   declare or make legally valid
   synonyms: formalise, validate

   types:

   ratify, sign

   approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation

   co-sign, cosign

   sign jointly

   probate

   establish the legal validity of (wills and other documents)

   type of:

   authorise, authorize, clear, pass

   grant authorization or clearance for