consecrate

(kŏnˈsĭ-krātˌ)

1. To declare or set apart as sacred: consecrate a church.
2. Christianity
   a. To produce the ritual transformation of (the elements of the Eucharist) into the body and blood of Jesus.
   b. To sanctify (bread and wine) for use in Communion.
   c. To initiate (a priest) into the order of bishops.
3. To dedicate solemnly to a service or goal. See Synonyms at devote.
4. To make venerable; hallow: a tradition consecrated by time.

Related Forms:

• conˈse·craˌtive adjective

• conˈse·craˌtor noun

• conˈse·cra·toˌry (-krə-tôrˌē, -tōrˌē) adjective