canonize

can·on·ize

transitive verb \ˈka-nə-ˌnīz\

can·on·ized \-ˌnīzd; in “Hamlet” usually kə-ˈnä-ˌnīzd\ can·on·iz·ing

Definition of CANONIZE

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

Examples of CANONIZE

1. She died 100 years ago and was canonized in Rome last year.
2. <a singing star so canonized by his fans that they refuse to believe anything bad about him>

Origin of CANONIZE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CANONIZE

Synonyms

adore, adulate, idolize, deify, dote (on), hero-worship, worship

Antonyms

abase, degrade, demean, humble, humiliate

Related Words

appreciate, cherish, esteem, prize, treasure, value; fancy, favor, like, prefer; regard; hallow, respect, revere, venerate; approve, endorse (also indorse), support

Near Antonyms

abhor, abominate, despise, detest, disdain, dislike, hate, loathe; belittle, deprecate, disparage, misprize, put down