veneration

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noun ven·er·a·tion \ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən\

Definition of veneration

1 : respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person
2 : the act of venerating
3 : the condition of one that is venerated

Recent Examples of veneration from the Web

Among the most stubborn European traditions are a veneration of the state, an obsession with national identities and borders, and, most critical at this juncture, a suspicion of – not to say hostility toward – science and technology.

— misha glenny, WIRED, "How Europe Can Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Future", 1 Feb. 2001

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

Origin and Etymology of veneration

Middle English veneracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French veneratiun, borrowed from Latin venerātiōn-, venerātiō “act of soliciting the good will (of a deity), demonstration of respect or awe,” from venerārī “to solicit the good will of (a deity), hold in awe, venerate” + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use: 15th century