Consecrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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consecrate

[ˈkɑːnsɪˌkreɪt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

religious ceremony

Consecrate means to make something sacred or to set it apart for a religious purpose. This often involves a formal ceremony or ritual. It is a way of dedicating or sanctifying something.

Synonyms

bless, hallow, sanctify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consecrate	Use 'consecrate' in formal religious contexts when dedicating something or someone for a sacred purpose. The bishop will consecrate the new church next Sunday. They consecrated the altar during the ceremony.
bless	Use 'bless' in religious or spiritual contexts when invoking divine favor or expressing gratitude. The priest will bless the congregation at the end of the service. We asked the pastor to bless our new home.
sanctify	Use 'sanctify' in religious or moral contexts when making something holy or free from sin. The ritual is meant to sanctify the marriage. They believe in the power of prayer to sanctify their actions.
hallow	Use 'hallow' in literary or religious contexts when referring to something made holy or revered. This ground is hallowed by the sacrifices of those who fought here. They hallow the memory of their ancestors with annual rituals.

Examples of usage

During the consecration of the church, the bishop blessed the altar.
The priest consecrated the bread and wine during the Eucharist.
After the ceremony, the temple was consecrated as a place of worship.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'consecratus', which means 'to make sacred'.
It combines 'con-' (together) and 'sacrare' (to make sacred), highlighting the idea of setting something apart for special purposes.

Religious Significance

In many religious traditions, consecration involves rituals such as prayers, blessings, and offerings to dedicate a place or object.
The consecration of churches is a significant event in Christianity, symbolizing that the space is now holy and fit for worship.

Cultural Practices

Various cultures have their own ceremonies for consecrating land or buildings, often involving community participation.
In Hinduism, consecrating an idol involves rituals like prana pratishta, where life force is believed to be infused into the idol.

Psychological Aspects

Consecration can induce feelings of reverence and peace, affecting mental well-being and community bonding.
Creating a consecrated space can help individuals feel more connected to their traditions and inner selves.

Literature

The theme of consecration appears in many literary works where characters seek to transform spaces or objects into symbols of hope and faith.
In Shakespeare’s plays, consecration often symbolizes the sanctity of marriage or honor, reflecting societal values.

Translations

Translations of the word "consecrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consagrar

🇮🇳 अभिषेक करना

🇩🇪 weihen

🇮🇩 menguduskan

🇺🇦 освячувати

🇵🇱 poświęcać

🇯🇵 聖別する (せいべつする)

🇫🇷 consacrer

🇪🇸 consagrar

🇹🇷 kutsamak

🇰🇷 축성하다 (chukseonghada)

🇸🇦 يكرس

🇨🇿 posvětit

🇸🇰 posvätiť

🇨🇳 奉献 (fèngxiàn)

🇸🇮 posvetiti

🇮🇸 vígja

🇰🇿 қасиеттеу

🇬🇪 კურთხევა

🇦🇿 müqəddəsləşdirmək

🇲🇽 consagrar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,981, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21978 clawed
21979 slashing
21980 droop
21981 consecrate
21982 artfully
21983 patching
21984 opined
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