with objectTo cause (a person) to become unduly adapted to prison life, especially to its attitudes and social behaviour. Frequently in pass. Compare "institutionalize".
Origin
1940s. From prison + -ize, after institutionalize. Compare prisonization.
Definition of prisonize in US English:
prisonize
(also prisonise)
verbˈprɪzənʌɪz
with objectTo cause (a person) to become unduly adapted to prison life, especially to its attitudes and social behaviour. Frequently in pass. Compare "institutionalize".
Origin
1940s. From prison + -ize, after institutionalize. Compare prisonization.