Main Entry: de·vote

Pronunciation: \di-ˈvōt, dē-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): de·vot·ed; de·vot·ing

Etymology: Latin devotus, past participle of devovēre, from de- + vovēre to vow

Date: 1586

1 : to commit by a solemn act <devoted herself to serving God>
2 : to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity

— de·vote·ment \-ˈvōt-mənt\ noun

synonyms devote, dedicate, consecrate, hallow mean to set apart for a special and often higher end. devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective <devoted his evenings to study>. dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose <dedicated her life to medical research>. consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality <consecrate a church to the worship of God>. hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity <battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots>.