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consecrate

KON-suh-krayt /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kreɪt/

verbC1GRESATTOEFL

formalreligious

To declare or make something sacred, holy, or dedicated to a divine purpose.

Refers to a formal ceremony or profound act setting something apart from mundane life for high purpose.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'consecrare' ('con-' intensive + 'sacrare' to dedicate as sacred, from 'sacer' holy). In Roman culture, consecration was an official ceremony transferring an object or location from civilian property to divine ownership.

Word relationships

sanctify: 'Sanctify' means to make holy internally or spiritually, while 'consecrate' often involves a formal external ritual.
dedicate: 'Dedicate' is broader and can be secular (e.g., dedicate a book), whereas 'consecrate' carries sacred weight.

desecrate: To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect.
profane: To treat something sacred with irreverence or abuse.

Commonly confused with

desecrate: 'Desecrate' is the exact opposite—to spoil or violate something sacred.

Word family

consecration (noun): The solemn dedication to a special service or purpose.

Collocations

consecrate ground
consecrate a church
consecrate life to service
consecrated host

Example sentences

"In a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground." Historical speech
"The bishop arrived to consecrate the new cathedral chapel." Religious ritual

Memory hook

Con-SACR-ate puts sacredness ('sacr') into a place or act. Make holy and set apart.

When not to use

Do not use for everyday tasks like setting aside money for groceries; use 'allocate' or 'dedicate' instead.

Fun facts

Abraham Lincoln famously used 'consecrate' alongside 'dedicate' and 'hallow' in his 272-word Gettysburg Address.