1. (

• formalize ,
• formalise

) make formal or official; "We formalized the appointment and gave him a title" ;

2. (

• validate ,
• formalize ,
• formalise ,

) declare or make legally valid ;

1. (

• formalistic ,
• formalized ,
• formalised

) concerned with or characterized by rigorous adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art); "highly formalized plays like `Waiting for Godot'" ;

2. (

• formalized ,
• formalised

) given formal standing or endorsement; made official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedures ;