revere

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verb re·vere \ ri-ˈvir \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of revere

revered; revering

transitive verb

:to show devoted deferential honor to :regard as worthy of great honor

revere the aged

revere tradition

See revere defined for English-language learners

See revere defined for kids

Examples of revere in a Sentence

The family reveres old traditions.
in some cultures people revere their ancestors, even leaving food offerings for them

Recent Examples of revere from the Web

Men like Charles B. Aycock, an agitator of the Wilmington riots who three years later was elected governor on a platform of white supremacy, were revered in the state until recently—and, in some cases, still are.

— adrienne lafrance, The Atlantic, "The Lost History of an American Coup D’État," 12 Aug. 2017
Although Ms. Cook was never a film star and lacked the cultural penetration of stage entertainers such as Lena Horne, Mary Martin and Ethel Merman, she was revered among critics, peers and theatergoers for six decades.

— nelson pressley, Washington Post, "Barbara Cook, luminous singer of Broadway stage, dies at 89," 8 Aug. 2017
In any case, they are revered as models of women's strength, with temples built in their honor.

— samantha leal, Marie Claire, "Women Warriors: The Hidden History of Female Combat Heroes," 28 July 2017
But he is justly revered for his decency and honor.

— charles krauthammer, National Review, "The Consequences of the Sessions Affair," 27 July 2017
Palestinians claim Israel is trying to expand control over the Muslim-run site that is also revered by Jews.

— karin laub, The Seattle Times, "Metal detectors at Jerusalem shrine trigger new tensions," 18 July 2017
Palestinians claim Israel is trying to expand control over the Muslim-run site that is also revered by Jews.

— Washington Post, "Metal detectors at Jerusalem shrine trigger new tensions," 18 July 2017
Similarly, Thais revere their king, and Thailand has long made criticising him a crime.

— The Economist, "Defamation laws are necessary. But they must be narrowly drawn," 13 July 2017
History suggests that presidents who have governed successfully have been both revered and feared.

— author: philip rucker, robert costa, ashley parker, Alaska Dispatch News, "Who’s afraid of Trump? Not enough Republicans – at least for now.," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'revere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of revere

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French reverer, borrowed from Latin reverērī "to stand in awe of, treat with deference," from re- re- + verērī "to show reverence for, fear" — more at ¹ware

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First Known Use: 1615

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revere Synonyms

Synonyms

adore, deify, glorify, worship, reverence, venerate

Related Words

admire, honor, love, regard, respect; apotheosize, canonize, dignify, exalt, lionize, magnify; extol (also extoll), laud, praise; delight, gratify, please, satisfy

Near Antonyms

blaspheme, desecrate, profane, violate; affront, dishonor, disrespect, insult, offend, outrage, pique, ridicule, scorn, slight; displease; defame, disparage, libel, malign, slander, slur, smear

Synonym Discussion of revere

revere, reverence, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling.

- a professor revered by her students

reverence presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring.

- reverenced the academy's code of honor

venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age.

- heroes still venerated

worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony.

- worships their memory

adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment.

- we adored our doctor

revere

noun

Definition of revere

:revers

Origin and Etymology of revere

by alteration

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1899

See Words from the same year

Revere

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biographical name Re·vere \ ri-ˈvir \

Definition of Revere

Paul 1735–1818 American patriot and silversmith

Revere

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geographical name Re·vere \ ri-ˈvir \

Definition of Revere

city in eastern Massachusetts on an inlet of the Atlantic just north of the northeasternmost part of Boston population 51,755

REVERE Defined for English Language Learners

revere

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verb

Definition of revere for English Language Learners

: to have great respect for (someone or something) : to show devotion and honor to (someone or something)

REVERE Defined for Kids

revere

play

verb re·vere \ ri-ˈvir \

Definition of revere for Students

revered; revering

:to have great respect for

The town reveres him as a hero.

Learn More about revere

See words that rhyme with revere Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for revere Spanish Central: Translation of revere Nglish: Translation of revere for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of revere for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about revere

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revere

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Origin and Etymology of revere

Revere

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Revere

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REVERE Defined for English Language Learners

revere

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