To make something academic in character, to convert practical knowledge or training into formal scholarly study, or to give something an academic tone.
From 'academic' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (meaning 'to make'). This term gained prominence in 19th and 20th-century educational discussions as more practical fields sought academic respectability.
When universities 'academize' subjects like business management or nursing, they're adding research, theory, and formal study—but critics argue this sometimes loses the hands-on practical knowledge that makes these fields actually work in the real world.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.