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Definition of "consecrate" [con•se•crate]

  • To declare or set apart as sacred: consecrate a church. (verb-transitive)
  • Christianity To produce the ritual transformation of (the elements of the Eucharist) into the body and blood of Jesus. (verb-transitive)
  • Christianity To sanctify (bread and wine) for use in Communion. (verb-transitive)
  • Christianity To initiate (a priest) into the order of bishops. (verb-transitive)
  • To dedicate solemnly to a service or goal. See Synonyms at devote. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "consecrate" in a sentence
  • "Etymology: de - + - secrate (as in consecrate) to violate the sanctity of"
  • "Those who adopt the calling consecrate themselves to it by some religious ceremony, and ever after are connected with the temples."
  • "We all know that to consecrate is to set apart for holy service."