adjective

Etymology: ME dedicat < L dedicatus, pp. of dedicare, to consecrate, declare < de-, intens. + dicare, to proclaim < dicere, to say: see diction

transitive verb dedicated -·cat′ed, dedicating -·cat′·ing

1. to set apart for worship of a deity or devote to a sacred purpose
2. to set apart seriously for a special purpose; devote to some work, duty, etc. she dedicated her life to serving the poor
3. to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc.) to someone or something as a sign of honor or affection
4. ☆ to open formally (a public building, fair, etc.)
5. Law to devote to public use

Etymology: ME dedicaten < the adj.