enshrine

verb

en·​shrine in-ˈshrīn How to pronounce enshrine (audio)
en-
especially Southern -ˈsrīn
enshrined; enshrining; enshrines
Synonyms of enshrinenext

transitive verb

1
: to enclose in or as if in a shrine
2
: to preserve or cherish as sacred

Examples of enshrine in a Sentence

some teachers tend to enshrine their personal preferences as sacred rules of English grammar
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Swiss neutrality has been enshrined in the constitution since the mid-19th century, but its meaning has been debated for years. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026 Leo has an intense four days in France, where the Catholic Church has lost ground on influencing ethical issues given the strict approach to secularism that is enshrined in the French Constitution. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 At the same time, lawmakers on the House Human Services Subcommittee were weighing whether to enshrine Hope Florida in state law. — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 Madonna leads the long list of artists who have worked and sometimes lived in the Music Building; her signature is enshrined under Plexiglas on the top floor. — Gabe Kirchheimer, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enshrine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enshrine was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enshrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enshrine. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

enshrined; enshrining
1
: to enclose in or as if in a shrine
2
: to preserve or cherish as sacred
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