verb
consecrate
KON-suhk-rayt
verb
1
To declare something sacred through a formal or religious ceremony.
"The bishop consecrated the new chapel on Sunday morning."
"They consecrated the ground before burying the fallen soldiers."
2
To ordain someone into a high religious office, such as a bishop.
"He was consecrated as bishop after decades of service to the parish."
3
To devote oneself or one's time completely to a cause or purpose.
"She consecrated her life to helping refugees."
adjective
1
Made sacred; set apart for a holy purpose.
"Only consecrated wine is used in the ceremony."
How to Use Consecrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something officially holy or to fully dedicate yourself to something important.
Common pairings
consecrate a church
consecrate a bishop
consecrated ground
Word Forms
more consecrate comparative, consecrated past tense, consecrates singular, most consecrate superlative
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The bishop _____ the new chapel on Sunday morning.
Etymology
From Latin consecrare, "to make completely sacred" — con- ("thoroughly") plus sacrare ("to hallow"), the same root as "sacred."