consecrate
UK: /ˈkɒnsɪkreɪt/ | US: /ˈkɑːnsɪkreɪt/
Definition
vt. to declare or make sacred in a religious ceremony
vt. to dedicate formally to a purpose or goal
vt. to sanctify or set apart as holy
Structure
con <together>secr <sacred>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology
The word "consecrate" originates from Latin consecrāre, combining con- (intensive prefix meaning "together" or "thoroughly") and sacrāre (to make sacred, from sacer "sacred"). The morpheme secr preserves the core idea of sacredness, while -ate marks it as a verb. Over time, the term evolved in English to signify formal dedication, often in religious contexts, reflecting its Latin roots in ritual sanctification.
Examples
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