consecrate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb appoint to a clerical posts
    ordinate; ordain; order.
    • he was ordained in the Church
  2. verb give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
    devote; commit; dedicate; give.
    • She committed herself to the work of God
    • give one's talents to a good cause
    • consecrate your life to the church
  3. verb dedicate to a deity by a vow
    vow.
  4. verb render holy by means of religious rites
    bless; hallow; sanctify.
  5. adjective solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose
    dedicated; consecrated.
    • a life consecrated to science
    • the consecrated chapel
    • a chapel dedicated to the dead of World War II

WordNet

Con"se*crate adjective
Etymology
L. consceratus, p.p. of conscerare to conscerate; con- + sacrare to consecrate, sacer sacred. See Sacred.
Definitions
  1. Consecrated; devoted; dedicated; sacred.
    They were assembled in that consecrate place. Bacon.
Con"se*crate transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Consecrated; present participle & verbal noun Consecrating
Definitions
  1. To make, or declare to be, sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service or worship of God; as, to consecrate a church; to give (one's self) unreservedly, as to the service of God.
    One day in the week is . . . consecrated to a holy rest. Sharp.
  2. To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop.
    Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. Ex. xxix. 9.
  3. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor.
  4. To render venerable or revered; to hallow; to dignify; as, rules or principles consecrated by time. Burke. Syn. -- See Addict.

Webster 1913