Institution

Institution as a noun has several meanings. People most often think of an institution of civilization or societies and communities as an established element of culture, such as an established law, practice, or custom; for example, the institutions of democratic government. A recognized stable element in the life of a country as an identifying or defining institution of the nation or community can be an established constitution, a distinctive set of laws, or an official organization having an important particular role, such as a governing executive office, legislature, church, armed forces, news organization, political party, or bank; or a particular society or organization founded for a religious, educational, social, sporting, or similar purpose, such as a professional institution, university, or hospital; or an organization providing residential care for people with special needs, such as a large, well-organized, recovery and long-term care facility or orphanage providing residential care, for example, "an institution for the mentally ill", or a "retirement home". Jails, prisons, penitentiaries, and facilities for the incarceration and rehabilitation of criminals and juvenile delinquents, including "half-way houses", are also called institutions.

As a verb, the institution of something is the action of instituting or initiating something, such as establishing the beginning of a practice or policy to be adopted as customary; or beginning a procedure, to institute it, such as the starting of an action or beginning of proceedings, whether formal or informal, involving coordinated legal or social activities: "We are instituting this to provide better service"; "The institution of this policy will result in an overall growth"; "The institution of impeachment proceedings is problematic at best, and should never be undertaken lightly."

## Synonyms[edit]

An organization, establishment, institute, foundation, center, academy, installation; an instatement, induction, investiture, inauguration; the introduction (of a practice), custom, phenomenon, fact, procedure, convention, usage.