Definition of hallow
transitive verb
1 : to make holy or set apart for holy use
2 : to respect greatly : venerate the most hallowed of all law-enforcement agencies — Dwight MacDonald
Explore M-W
Examples of hallow in a Sentence
Lincoln's memorable words at the Gettysburg battlefield, “we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground”.
Recent Examples of hallow from the Web
-
This is the surveillance state writ large, with large corporations and the government in close cooperation, and hallowed by a warrant from a secret court that was supposed to be the last line of defense against this sort of thing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hallow'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of hallow
Middle English halowen, from Old English hālgian, from hālig holy — more at holy
Synonym Discussion of hallow
Other Christian Religious Terms
HALLOW Defined for Kids
hallow
playDefinition of hallow for Students
hallowed
;hallowing
: to set apart for holy purposes : treat as sacred This ground is hallowed.
Learn More about hallow
-
See words that rhyme with hallow Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hallow Spanish Central: Translation of hallow Nglish: Translation of hallow for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hallow for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hallow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!