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

While individual unions could still choose whether to select players involved, if the world governing body refused to approve it, there would be major issues around player insurance and injury liability, officiating, and anti-doping.

From BBC

Harbaugh cites Herbert’s size and calm demeanor as a reason why he is officiated differently than other quarterbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Harris — a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights who had previously officiated same-sex unions in San Francisco — was running for attorney general at the time, and promised not to challenge the judge’s decision if she won.

From Los Angeles Times

Once, after a loss with the Cardinals, he was so upset about the officiating that he sat upright in bed at 3 a.m. convinced he was having a heart attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preside