canonize
can·on·ize
verb \ˈka-nə-ˌnīz\can·on·ized\-ˌnīzd; in “Hamlet” usually kə-ˈnä-ˌnīzd\can·on·iz·ing
Definition of CANONIZE
transitive verb
1
: to declare (a deceased person) an officially recognized saint
2
: to make canonical
3
: to sanction by ecclesiastical authority
4
: to attribute authoritative sanction or approval to
5
: to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred
— can·on·i·za·tion \ˌka-nə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
See Examples of CANONIZE
- She died 100 years ago and was canonized in Rome last year.
- <a singing star so canonized by his fans that they refuse to believe anything bad about him>
Origin of CANONIZE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin canonizare, from Late Latin canon catalog of saints, from Latin, standard
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CANONIZE
Related Words: appreciate, cherish, esteem, prize, treasure, value; fancy, favor, like, prefer; regard; hallow, respect, revere, venerate; approve, endorse (also indorse), support
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