Canonize

Quick meaning: Canonize is a verb meaning (figurative) To regard as a saint; to glorify, to exalt to the highest honour.

Meaning

(figurative) To regard as a saint; to glorify, to exalt to the highest honour.

More Meanings

1. (Christianity) To formally declare (a piece of religious writing) to be part of the biblical canon.
2. (by extension) To regard (an artistic or written work or its creator) as one of a group that are representative of a particular field.
3. (chiefly Roman Catholicism) To declare (a deceased person) as a saint, and enter them into the canon of saints.
4. (chiefly Christianity) Especially of a church: to give official approval to; to authorize, to sanction.

Example Sentences

Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173.

Prospective candidates for sainthood normally need to have two miracles attributed to them before they can be canonized.

Where to pray to thy suppositious saints? Where has it taught thee to enjoin men to pray to imaginary saints, whom thou canonizest from time to time?

He muſt be of an eaſie belief, that can be certainly perſwaded that every one whom the Pope Canonizeth, and putteth into the Liſt of Saints, is ſo indeed.

Word Forms

• canonizes
• canonizing
• canonized
• canonise

Synonyms for canonize

Depending on context, synonyms include saint, beatify.

Antonyms for canonize

Common opposites include uncanonize.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include saint, beatify, recanonize, canonise, consecrate, besaint.

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