sanctify

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsaŋ(k)tɪfʌɪ/

verb (sanctifies, sanctifying, sanctified)

[with object]
  • set apart as or declare holy; consecrate: a small shrine was built to sanctify the site
  • make legitimate or binding by a religious ceremony: their love is sanctified by the sacrament of marriage
  • free from sin; purify: may God sanctify his soul
  • cause to be or seem morally right or acceptable: ancient customs that are sanctified by tradition

Derivatives

sanctification

Pronunciation: /-fɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

sanctifier

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French saintifier (influenced later by sanctifier), from ecclesiastical Latin sanctificare, from Latin sanctus 'holy'