consecrate
Definitions
To make or declare something holy, especially through a religious ceremony.
使神圣，祝圣（尤指通过宗教仪式）。
To devote something entirely to a particular purpose.
把……完全奉献给（某一目的）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (thoroughly) + secr (the prefixed form of sacr, 'sacred') + -ate (verb) = 'to make thoroughly sacred.' Note the spelling shift: sacr softens to secr once a prefix attaches (consecrate, desecrate). To consecrate is to set something completely apart for the divine — a church, a bishop, an altar.
Root sacr still carries 10 more wordsWhy It Means This
Consecrate is the positive twin of desecrate: con- builds holiness up, de- tears it down, around the same core secr. Beyond religion it means to dedicate utterly — Lincoln said a battlefield was already consecrated by the men who fought there, meaning their sacrifice had made the ground sacred.
Common Collocations
- 1.consecrate a church为教堂祝圣
- 2.consecrate a bishop祝圣主教
- 3.consecrate ground祝圣土地
- 4.consecrate one's life把一生奉献于
Example Sentences
- 1.
The bishop will consecrate the new cathedral next Sunday.
- 2.
She consecrated her life to helping the poor.
- 3.
The ground was consecrated as a burial site for the fallen.