Main Entry: ven·er·ate

Pronunciation: \ˈve-nə-ˌrāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ven·er·at·ed; ven·er·at·ing

Etymology: Latin veneratus, past participle of venerari, from vener-, venus love, charm — more at win

Date: circa 1623

1 : to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
2 : to honor (as an icon or a relic) with a ritual act of devotion

synonyms see revere

— ven·er·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun