Enshrining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enshrining

[ษชnหˆสƒraษชnษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

preserve, protect

Enshrining refers to the act of placing or keeping something in a sacred or revered position. It can also imply safeguarding an idea, value, or principle in a way that ensures its lasting importance.

Synonyms

enthrone, preserve, protect, sanctify.

Examples of usage

  • The constitution enshrines individual rights.
  • She believed in enshrining the traditions of her culture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures enshrine their revered objects or texts, such as religious artifacts in temples, emphasizing their spiritual significance.
  • In some cultures, enshrining extends to people, where significant figures are commemorated in monuments or dedicated spaces, sometimes becoming sites of pilgrimage.
  • Popular traditions include enshrining feelings or memories in art, such as poetry and music, which allow emotions to live on beyond their initial moment.

Literature

  • Authors often use the concept of enshrining to explore themes of memory, loss, and legacy in their works, suggesting that what we cherish deserves preservation.
  • In many novels, characters may enshrine their memories in letters or journals, symbolizing their importance and creating a dialogue with the past.
  • The act of enshrining is metaphorically used to depict how we elevate certain experiences or emotions to ensure they are never forgotten.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that enshrining experiences can act as a coping mechanism, helping individuals navigate grief or loss by creating tangible memories.
  • Studies have shown that people who regularly document their lives, such as through journals or scrapbooks, feel a stronger connection to their past and sense of identity.
  • Enshrining positive moments through celebration can enhance overall happiness by continuously reminding individuals of joyful experiences.

Art and Architecture

  • Many iconic artworks have been enshrined in museums, becoming invaluable cultural treasures that educate and inspire future generations.
  • Architecturally, structures like mausoleums and cathedrals often serve the purpose of enshrining significant figures or beliefs, blending art with reverent spaces.
  • Contemporary artists may propose installations that challenge traditional concepts of enshrining, prompting viewers to reconsider what deserves preservation in modern life.

Origin of 'enshrining'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the early 14th century, coming from the Middle English 'enshrinen,' which means to place in a shrine.
  • The root 'shrine' comes from Latin 'scrinium,' meaning a case or chest for keeping valuable items, indicating its sacred nature.
  • The word has evolved over time to represent not just physical preservation but also the safeguarding of ideas and memories.

The word 'enshrine' originated from the Middle English 'enshrinen', which stems from the Old French word 'enshriner'. This Old French term derives from the Latin 'in-' meaning 'in' and 'scrinium', which translates to 'a box or case for holding something'. The historical roots imply a sacred or special placement of objects or concepts. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only the physical act of placing something in a shrine but also the metaphorical sense of preserving ideals or values as sacred. Today, 'enshrine' is commonly used in legal and cultural contexts to describe the recognition and safeguarding of rights, principles, or traditions within influential documents or societal norms.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,795, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.