Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Formalize \Form"al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Formalized}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Formalizing}.]
   1. To give form, or a certain form, to; to model. [R.]

   2. To render formal.

Formalize \Form"al*ize\, v. i.
   To affect formality. [Obs.] --ales.

Source : WordNet®

formalize
     v 1: make formal or official; "We formalized the appointment and
          gave him a title" [syn: {formalise}]
     2: declare or make legally valid [syn: {validate}, {formalise}]
        [ant: {invalidate}]