SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

spiritualize

verb spir·i·tu·al·ize \ ˈspir-i-chə-wə-ˌlīz , -i-chə-ˌlīz , -ich-wə-ˌlīz \

Definition of spiritualize

spiritualized; spiritualizing

transitive verb

1 : to make spiritual; especially : to purify from the corrupting influences of the world

2 : to give a spiritual meaning to or understand in a spiritual sense

—

spiritualization

play \ˌspir-i-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -i-chə-lə-, -ich-wə-lə-\ noun

Recent Examples of spiritualize from the Web

The biblical Song of Solomon is a key scripture for the Zohar, and its lush gardens of desire are spiritualized into realms of sacred love, but without losing anything of their erotic passion.

— arthur green, The Atlantic, "Restoring Kabbalah to Mainstream Judaism," 25 Aug. 2017

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

First Known Use of spiritualize

1631

Learn More about spiritualize

See words that rhyme with spiritualize

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up spiritualize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

play

unwilling or reluctant

BROWSE DICTIONARY

spiritualism

spirituality

spiritualize

spiritualizer

spiritual living

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game