venerate

[ ven-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ven·er·at·ed, ven·er·at·ing.

1. to regard or treat with reverence; revere.

venerate

/ ˈvɛnəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to hold in deep respect; revere
2. to honour in recognition of qualities of holiness, excellence, wisdom, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈvenerˌator, noun

Other Words From

• vener·ator noun
• un·vener·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of venerate¹

1615–25; < Latin venerātus, past participle of venerārī to solicit the goodwill of (a god), worship, revere, verbal derivative of vener-, stem of venus, presumably in its original sense “desire”; Venus )

Word History and Origins

Origin of venerate¹

C17: from Latin venerārī, from venus love

Example Sentences

The depiction of the infant Jesus is part of the Southern California landscape and especially venerated by both Mexican Americans and Filipinos.

From Los Angeles Times

Listing them demonstrates that comics, especially venerated personalities like Stewart, tend to land on the side of fellow comics most of the time and the comedy’s sanctity almost all the time.

From Salon

“Fernando, popularly known as “El Toro”, isn’t just a player; he’s a symbol of resilience, dedication, and passion to many like myself who grew up venerating him,” wrote Hector Gonzalez, who started the petition.

From Los Angeles Times

More abuse allegations have been made against Abbé Pierre, the late French Roman Catholic priest and campaigner who was long venerated as a modern-day saint.

From BBC

And who does Donald Trump venerate as heroes and role models?

From Salon

Related Words

• cherish
• esteem
• exalt
• hallow
• idolize