First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
canonize
verb can·on·ize \ˈka-nə-ˌnīz\
in the Roman Catholic Church : to officially give a dead person a special status as someone very holy : to declare (someone) to be a saint
can·on·ized \-ˌnīzd; in “Hamlet” usually kə-ˈnä-ˌnīzd\ can·on·iz·ing
Full Definition of CANONIZE
transitive verb
1
: to declare (a deceased person) an officially recognized saint
2
: to make canonical
3
: to sanction by ecclesiastical authority
4
: to attribute authoritative sanction or approval to
5
: to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred
— can·on·i·za·tion \ˌka-nə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
See canonize defined for English-language learners
See canonize defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CANONIZE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin canonizare, from Late Latin canon catalog of saints, from Latin, standard
Learn More About CANONIZE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: canon lawPrevious Word in the Dictionary: canonisticAll Words Near: canonize
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up canonize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).