solemnize

[ sol-uhm-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.

1. to perform the ceremony of (marriage).
2. to hold or perform (ceremonies, rites, etc.) in due manner.
3. to observe or commemorate with rites or ceremonies:

   to solemnize an occasion with prayer.

4. to go through with ceremony or formality.
5. to render solemn, serious, or grave; dignify.

verb (used without object)

, sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.

1. to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.

solemnize

/ ˈsɒləmˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to celebrate or observe with rites or formal ceremonies, as a religious occasion
2. to celebrate or perform the ceremony of (marriage)
3. to make solemn or serious
4. to perform or hold (ceremonies, etc) in due manner

Derived Forms

• ˈsolemˌnizer, noun
• ˌsolemniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• solem·ni·zation noun
• solem·nizer noun
• un·solem·nized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solemnize¹

1350–1400; Middle English solempnise < Medieval Latin sōlemnizāre, equivalent to Latin sōlemnis solemn + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

A person shall not be required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person’s conscience or religious beliefs.

From Salon

Nine years later, when the United Kingdom allowed same-sex couples to solemnize their marriages in religious ceremonies, Ortega-Medina and his husband married in a Jewish ceremony at West London Synagogue.

From Los Angeles Times

He brought up a recent bill passed in the Tennessee House of Representatives that would give county clerks the right to refuse to solemnize marriages they don’t personally believe in.

From Washington Post

They lured religious leaders out of their homes by pretending to need a marriage solemnized.

From Washington Post

The bill states that “a person shall not be required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person’s conscience or religious beliefs.”

From Los Angeles Times