officiate

[ uh-fish-ee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, of·fi·ci·at·ed, of·fi·ci·at·ing.

1. to perform the office of a member of the clergy, as at a divine service.
2. to perform the duties or function of some office or position.
3. to serve as referee, umpire, or other official in a sports contest or game.

verb (used with object)

, of·fi·ci·at·ed, of·fi·ci·at·ing.

1. to serve as the priest or minister of (a divine service, religious ceremony, etc.).
2. to perform, carry out, or fulfill (an official duty or function).
3. to act as a referee, umpire, timekeeper, or other official for (a sports contest or game).

officiate

/ əˈfɪʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to hold the position, responsibility, or function of an official
2. to conduct a religious or other ceremony

Derived Forms

• ofˈficiˌator, noun
• ofˌficiˈation, noun

Other Words From

• of·fici·ation noun
• of·fici·ator noun
• unof·fici·ated adjective
• unof·fici·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of officiate¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Medieval Latin officiātus (past participle of officiāre “to serve”), equivalent to Latin offici(um) “service, duty” + -ātus, past participle suffix; office, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of officiate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin officiāre, from Latin officium; see office

Example Sentences

Coote, from Nottingham, is registered as a Notts County fan and is therefore unable to officiate County or Nottingham Forest matches.

From BBC

In 2004, when Gavin Newsom, then San Francisco's mayor, decided to allow same-sex weddings, in violation of state law, Harris helped officiate a few of the ceremonies, calling it “one of the most joyful” moments of her career.

From BBC

Currently the Catholic Church only allows men to become deacons - ordained ministers who can officiate baptisms, weddings and funerals but not mass, unlike priests.

From BBC

“He understood why I was out there, and that made a big difference. That’s what I try to instill when I’m instructing young guys who are coming in to officiate.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Timor-Leste, the Pope will officiate mass in the capital Dili, on the same seaside esplanade where John Paul II spoke in 1989 to comfort local Catholics who suffered under Indonesia's occupation of the territory.

From BBC

Related Words

• preside