Sacralized: meaning, definitions and examples

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sacralized

 

[ ˈsækrəlaɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

religious significance

To sacralize something means to make it sacred or holy, conferring a special religious significance upon it. This often involves rituals or traditions that elevate the status of the object or idea, distinguishing it from the ordinary.

Synonyms

consecrate, hallow, sanctify

Examples of usage

  • The community sacralized the ancient tree, believing it held spiritual power.
  • Rituals were developed to sacralize the marriage ceremony.
  • Many cultures sacralize certain animals, viewing them as messengers of the divine.

Word origin

The term 'sacralized' originates from the Latin word 'sacrare', which means 'to make sacred'. The prefix 'sacr-' related to 'sacred' has undergone various transformations in different languages, often retaining the core essence of holiness or divinity. Historically, the act of sacralization has been an integral part of various cultures and religions, where people perform specific rituals, prayers, or ceremonies to elevate certain people, places, or objects to a sacred status. This concept is prevalent in many religious practices, including Christianity, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs, where materials or locations are designated as 'sacred' through communal acceptance and historical significance. The expansion of this term into other contexts reflects a growing understanding of the significance attributed to various elements within both spiritual and non-spiritual frameworks.