Reconsecrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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reconsecrate

 

[ ˌriːˈkɒnsɪˌkreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

religious context

To reconsecrate something means to dedicate or set it apart again for a sacred purpose, usually after it has been defiled or no longer deemed holy. This often involves a formal ceremony, which reaffirms the spiritual significance of the object or place. The act can be applied to churches, altars, or other sacred sites that require restoration to their original sanctity. Reconsecration is significant in various religious traditions as it symbolizes renewal and the return to divine favor.

Synonyms

re-sanctify, rededicate, sanctify again

Examples of usage

  • The community gathered to reconsecrate the old cathedral.
  • After extensive renovations, they held a ceremony to reconsecrate the temple.
  • The bishop decided to reconsecrate the altar after the incident.

Translations

Translations of the word "reconsecrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reconsagrar

🇮🇳 पुनः समर्पित करना

🇩🇪 wiederweihen

🇮🇩 menguduskan kembali

🇺🇦 переконсекрувати

🇵🇱 ponownie konsekrować

🇯🇵 再献納する

🇫🇷 reconsacrer

🇪🇸 reconsagrar

🇹🇷 yeniden kutsamak

🇰🇷 다시 성별하다

🇸🇦 إعادة تكريس

🇨🇿 znovu posvětit

🇸🇰 znovu posvätiť

🇨🇳 重新祝圣

🇸🇮 ponovno posvetiti

🇮🇸 endurnýja

🇰🇿 қайта қасиеттеу

🇬🇪 მחדשის გაწვდილი

🇦🇿 təkrar müqəddəs etmək

🇲🇽 reconsagrar

Etymology

The term reconsecrate derives from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and the root word 'consecrate,' which comes from the Latin 'consecratus,' the past participle of 'consecrare,' meaning 'to make sacred.' The combination indicates a repeat action of making sacred or holy. The word has been used for centuries in religious and liturgical texts, often pertaining to the service of various Christian denominations. Its roots can be traced back to the classical languages, where the rituals and practices surrounding sacred spaces were critical in establishing communal and spiritual identity. Over time, 'reconsecrate' evolved to include various contexts involving a return to or reaffirmation of sacredness, reflecting broader human concerns over spirituality and sanctity.