canonize

[ kan-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, can·on·ized, can·on·iz·ing.

1. Ecclesiastical. to place in the canon of saints. Compare beatify ( def 2 ).
2. to glorify.
3. to make canonical; place or include within a canon, especially of scriptural works:

   They canonized the Song of Solomon after much controversy.

4. to consider or treat as sacrosanct or holy:

   They canonized his many verbal foibles and made them gospel.

5. to sanction or approve authoritatively, especially ecclesiastically.
6. Archaic. to deify.

canonize

/ ˈkænəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. RC Church to declare (a person) to be a saint and thus admit to the canon of saints
2. to regard as holy or as a saint
3. to sanction by canon law; pronounce valid

Derived Forms

• ˌcanoniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• canon·i·zation noun
• canon·izer noun
• super·canon·i·zation noun
• uncan·on·i·zation noun
• un·canon·ize verb (used with object) uncanonized uncanonizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of canonize¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; canon ¹( def ) + -ize ( def )

Example Sentences

Fascists believe you have to destroy to create, and Jan. 6 has already been canonized because of its violence as a foundational moment of the New Era of Trumpism.

From Salon

Catholic school nuns practically canonized John F. Kennedy, never ceasing to remind us students that he was the first Catholic President.

From Salon

The Republican freak show has gathered in Milwaukee this week to canonize and coronate Donald Trump, fresh off his felony conviction and a recent assassination attempt.

From Salon

“It’s a gift of God that Pope Francis — an Argentine pope, a Jesuit pope — can canonize her,” he said.

From Seattle Times

As someone who wrote about beauty, I was interested in how it canonized certain products like French girl pharmacy products, cult things you’d have to be a real beauty nerd to be into.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beatify
• consecrate