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canonize

Pronunciation: /ˈkanənʌɪz/

(also canonise)

Translate canonize | into German | into Italian

Definition of canonize

verb

[with object]

1(in the Roman Catholic Church) officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint:he was the last English saint to be canonized prior to the Reformation
regard as being above reproach or of great significance:we have canonized freedom of speech as an absolute value overriding all others

2sanction by Church authority.

Derivatives

canonization

Origin:

late Middle English: from late Latin canonizare 'admit as authoritative' (in medieval Latin 'admit to the list of recognized saints'), from Latin canon (see canon¹)