dedicate

[ded-i-keyt, ded-i-kit]

verb (used with object)

dedicated, dedicating 

1. to set apart and consecrate to a deity or to a sacred purpose.

   The ancient Greeks dedicated many shrines to Aphrodite.

2. to devote wholly and earnestly, as to some person or purpose.

   He dedicated his life to fighting corruption.

   Synonyms: consecrate, pledge, commit

3. to offer formally (a book, piece of music, etc.) to a person, cause, or the like in testimony of affection or respect, as on a prefatory page.

4. (loosely) to inscribe a personal signature on (a book, drawing, etc., that is one's own work), usually with a salutation addressing the recipient.

5. to mark the official completion or opening of (a public building, monument, highway, etc.), usually by formal ceremonies.

6. to set aside for or assign to a specific function, task, or purpose.

   The county health agency has dedicated one inspector to monitor conditions in nursing homes.

adjective

1. dedicated.

dedicate

/ ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪt, ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪtərɪ, ˈdɛdɪkətərɪ, -trɪ /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to devote (oneself, one's time, etc) wholly to a special purpose or cause; commit wholeheartedly or unreservedly

2. (foll by to) to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc) to a person, cause, etc as a token of affection or respect

3. (foll by to) to request or play (a record) on radio for another person as a greeting

4. to assign or allocate to a particular project, function, etc

5. to set apart for a deity or for sacred uses; consecrate

adjective

1. an archaic word for dedicated

Other Word Forms

• dedicator noun
• overdedicate verb (used with object)
• prededicate verb (used with object)
• rededicate verb (used with object)
• dedicatory adjective
• dedicatee noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dedicate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (verb and adjective) from Latin dēdicātus, past participle of dēdicāre “to declare, devote,” equivalent to dē- “from, away, out of” + dicāre “to indicate, consecrate,” akin to dīcere “to say, speak”; de-, dictate )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dedicate¹

C15: from Latin dēdicāre to announce, from dicāre to make known, variant of dīcere to say

Synonym Study

See devote.

Example Sentences

His entire life was dedicated to horse racing and handicapping.

From Los Angeles Times

Every UK police force now has a dedicated officer for journalists facing threats of abuse and violence, the government has said.

From BBC

Go to our dedicated football quizzes page and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.

From BBC

These dedicated queuers will be able to pick up a goody bag with their purchase once the store throws open its doors.

From BBC

The president has installed loyalists at the DOJ and FBI who are dedicated to implementing his political interests.

From Salon

Related Words

• allot 
• apply 
• apportion 
• assign 
• commit 
• devote 
• give 
• restrict