commemorate

American  

[kuh-mem-uh-reyt] / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

commemorated, commemorating

1. to serve as a memorial or reminder of.

   The monument commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

2. to honor the memory of by some observance.

   to commemorate the dead by a moment of silence; to commemorate Bastille Day.

3. to make honorable mention of.

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commemorate British  

/ kəˈmɛməˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to honour or keep alive the memory of

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Other Word Forms

• commemorable adjective
• commemorative adjective
• commemoratively adverb
• commemorator noun
• uncommemorated adjective

Etymology

Origin of commemorate

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin commemorātus “recalled,” past participle of commemorāre “to recall, put on record,” from com- com- + memor “mindful” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

It also happened one day after Cuban-American groups in Miami commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, which killed four people.

From BBC

The protests resumed Saturday when campuses reopened at the start of a new term, as activists organized events commemorating fellow students who were killed in the crackdown.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the city's Maidan square, where a growing host of flags has commemorated the dead since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion, banners and heads were lowered as people stood in silent contemplation.

From BBC

Last year, two streets in Braunau am Inn commemorating Nazis were renamed after years of complaints by activists.

From Barron's

He speaks in an auditorium of Russia’s cultural center that is decorated with fading artwork commemorating sporting competitions and cultural events that used to be held jointly with the Norwegians.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• celebrate
• memorialize
• observe
• remember
• salute