spiritualize

verb

spir·​i·​tu·​al·​ize ˈspir-i-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce spiritualize (audio)
-i-chə-ˌlīz, 
-ich-wə-ˌlīz
spiritualized; spiritualizing
Synonyms of spiritualizenext

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 noun

Examples of spiritualize in a Sentence

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.
None of this is intended to take away from the ambivalent and sometimes plainly harmful effects of attempts to spiritualize the pandemic. — Benjamin Kirby, Quartz Africa, 1 May 2020 Thought and speech — thought’s public projection — are both combined and spiritualized. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 22 June 2019 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, 25 Aug. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiritualize was in 1631

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Cite this Entry

“Spiritualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiritualize. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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