decorate

[ dek-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dec·o·rat·ed, dec·o·rat·ing.

1. to furnish or adorn with something ornamental or becoming; embellish:

   to decorate walls with murals.

   Synonyms: festoon, garnish, trim, bedeck, ornament

2. to plan and execute the design, furnishings, and ornamentation of the interior of (a house, office, apartment, etc.), especially by selecting colors, fabrics, and style of furniture, by making minor structural changes, etc.:

   Their house is decorated in French Provincial style.

3. to confer distinction upon by a badge, a medal of honor, etc.:

   to decorate a soldier for valor.

decorate

/ ˈdɛkəˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc
2. to paint or wallpaper (a room, house, etc)
3. tr to confer a mark of distinction, esp a military medal, upon
4. tr to evaporate a metal film onto (a crystal) in order to display dislocations in structure

Other Words From

• over·deco·rate verb overdecorated overdecorating
• re·deco·rate verb redecorated redecorating
• un·deco·rate verb (used with object) undecorated undecorating

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (adj.) < Latin decorātus (past participle of decorāre ), equivalent to decor- (stem of decus ) an ornament, splendor, honor ( decent ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorate¹

C16: from Latin decorāre, from decus adornment; see decent

Example Sentences

The loser will decorate their respective office with the colors and paraphernalia of the opposing team.

From Los Angeles Times

The success we’ve had in this genre, not just that they’re about Christmas, but people really love that tradition of “oh, I decorate the tree, we have eggnog, we watch Christmas movies together.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to one medium, the ghosts are also happy to see how their antiques that decorate the bar are still admired and lovingly cared for via regular polishing by Mejia.

From Los Angeles Times

Andy Samberg was goofy and playful as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who joked that as first gentleman, he’ll decorate the White House for Christmas with the theme “Hanukkah.”

From Los Angeles Times

The rooms are filled with books of every variety, and maps of Scotland decorate many of the walls thanks to Lowden’s heritage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adorn
• bedeck
• brighten
• deck
• do up
• dress up
• festoon
• fix up
• grace
• illuminate
• paint
• renovate
• spruce up
• trim