beatify

[ bee-at-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, be·at·i·fied, be·at·i·fy·ing.

1. to make blissfully happy.
2. Roman Catholic Church. to declare (a deceased person) to be among the blessed and therefore entitled to local but not universal veneration. Compare canonize ( def 1 ).

beatify

/ bɪˌætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən; bɪˈætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr RC Church (of the pope) to declare formally that (a deceased person) showed a heroic degree of holiness in his or her life and therefore is worthy of public veneration: the first step towards canonization
2. tr to make extremely happy

Derived Forms

• beatification, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beatify¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French beatifier, from Late Latin beātificāre; beatific ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of beatify¹

C16: from Old French beatifier , from Late Latin beātificāre to make blessed; see beatific

Example Sentences

It is an innate element of the human constitution, designed to beautify and beatify man.

From Project Gutenberg

He does also many things through angels; but only from Himself does He beatify angels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consecrate
• sanctify