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.

• "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."