Definition of "institutionalization" in English

noun

1. The process of establishing a practice as a norm.

   • The government began the institutionalization of background checks for internet users.

2. The process of committing a person to a facility where their freedom to leave will be restrained, usually a mental hospital.

   • The institutionalization of Syd Barrett was a major event in the history of the rock group Pink Floyd.

3. The presence of social deficits or disabilities as a result of a long period spent in a prison, mental hospitals, etc.