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consecrate

KON-sih-krayt /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kreɪt/

verbC1GRESATCAT

formalliterary

To make or declare something sacred; to formally dedicate to a religious or divine purpose.

Implies permanently setting an object, location, or person apart from secular use into divine service.

The story behind the word. Formed from Latin com- (intensifier) + sacrare (to dedicate to the gods, from sacer). It entered English in the 14th century to denote setting apart holy sites and clergy.

Word relationships

sanctify: Sanctify means to make holy internally or morally; consecrate focuses on official setting apart.
bless: Bless is a general invocation of divine favor; consecrate is a formal change of status.

desecrate: Desecrate means to violate or treat sacred ground with disrespect.
profane: Profane means to treat a sacred thing with irreverence.

Commonly confused with

desecrate: Desecrate is the exact opposite of consecrate.

Word family

consecration (noun): The act of consecrating something.
consecrated (adjective): Made sacred or dedicated.

Collocations

consecrate a church
consecrate bread and wine
consecrate one's life
consecrated ground

Example sentences

"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground." History / Speeches (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)
"The bishop arrived on Sunday to consecrate the newly built cathedral altar." Religion

Memory hook

CON-SACR-ate = With SACRED intent. Make holy and set apart.

When not to use

Do not use for casual dedication, such as 'consecrating' a weekend to watching movies.

Fun facts

In medieval Europe, consecrated ground was strictly required for Christian burials; suicides and criminals were buried outside.