constitionalize

Definition

  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To make constitutional: "constitutionalize" means to make something consistent with or part of a constitution, especially a law, decree, or policy.
    • To establish as constitutional: To formally incorporate a principle or right into a constitution.

  2. Verb (intransitive, rare):

    • To take a constitutional walk: This meaning is derived from "constitutional" as a noun meaning a walk taken for health; however, this usage is extremely rare and considered archaic.
Usage Examples

  • Transitive verb:

    • The court's ruling helped to constitutionalize the right to privacy. (The decision made the right to privacy part of the constitutional framework.)
    • The government sought to constitutionalize the new tax law to ensure its validity. (They made the tax law conform to the constitution.)
    • Many nations are working to constitutionalize human rights protections. (They are embedding human rights into their constitutions.)

  • Intransitive verb (rare):

    • After lunch, he would constitutionalize in the park. (He would take a walk for his health, though this usage is outdated.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to constitutionalize a statute": to amend or interpret a law so that it aligns with constitutional principles.

    • The legislature voted to constitutionalize the education reform bill. (They made the bill compliant with the constitution.)

  • "to constitutionalize a right": to formally recognize a right in a constitution.

    • The movement aims to constitutionalize the right to clean water. (They want to include this right in the written constitution.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Constitutional (adj): relating to a constitution; also, a noun meaning a walk taken for health.

    • The amendment is considered constitutional. (It complies with the constitution.)
    • He takes a constitutional every morning. (He takes a health walk.)

  • Constitution (n): the fundamental principles or laws of a nation or organization.

    • The constitution guarantees freedom of speech. (The basic law of the country.)

  • Constitutionalism (n): adherence to a system of constitutional government.

    • The country's legal system is based on constitutionalism. (It follows constitutional principles.)
Synonyms

  • Codify: to arrange laws or rules into a systematic code.

    • The committee worked to codify the new regulations. (They organized them formally.)

  • Enshrine: to preserve or protect a right or principle as if in a shrine; often used for constitutional rights.

    • The law enshrines the right to vote. (It protects this right firmly.)

  • Legitimize: to make something lawful or valid according to a constitution.

    • The ruling legitimized the government's actions. (It made them legally acceptable.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "constitutionalize". The word itself is a formal, technical verb and does not commonly form phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms

  • "To pass constitutional muster": to meet the requirements of a constitution; to be deemed acceptable under constitutional law.

    • The new policy must pass constitutional muster before it can be enforced. (It must be found constitutional by a court.)

  • "To be on constitutional ground": to act within the boundaries of constitutional law.

    • The judge ruled that the law was on constitutional ground. (It was valid under the constitution.)