'institutionalize' originates from the word 'institution,' which comes from Latin 'institutio,' meaning 'arrangement' or 'establishment.' The suffix '-ize' is used to form verbs indicating a process or action.

'Institution' evolved from the Latin 'institutio' through Old French 'institution,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'institution.' The verb form 'institutionalize' was later derived by adding the suffix '-ize.'

Initially, it meant 'to establish or arrange something,' but over time it evolved to include the meaning of placing someone in an institution.