Main Entry: can·on·ize

Pronunciation: \ˈka-nə-ˌnīz\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): can·on·ized \-ˌnīzd; in “Hamlet” usually kə-ˈnä-ˌnīzd\; can·on·iz·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin canonizare, from Late Latin canon catalog of saints, from Latin, standard

Date: 14th century

1 : to declare (a deceased person) an officially recognized saint
2 : to make canonical
3 : to sanction by ecclesiastical authority
4 : to attribute authoritative sanction or approval to
5 : to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred

— can·on·i·za·tion \ˌka-nə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun