definitions

officiate

[ uh-fish-ee-eyt ]
/ əˈfɪʃ iˌeɪt /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR officiate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), of·fi·ci·at·ed, of·fi·ci·at·ing.

to perform the office of a member of the clergy, as at a divine service.
to perform the duties or function of some office or position.
to serve as referee, umpire, or other official in a sports contest or game.

verb (used with object), of·fi·ci·at·ed, of·fi·ci·at·ing.

to serve as the priest or minister of (a divine service, religious ceremony, etc.).
to perform, carry out, or fulfill (an official duty or function).
to act as a referee, umpire, timekeeper, or other official for (a sports contest or game).

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RELATED WORDS

preside, function, handle, superintend, umpire, act, serve, direct, boss, govern, command, conduct, run, chair, emcee

Nearby words

officialism, officialize, officially, officiant, officiary, officiate, officinal, officious, officious will, officiously, offing

Origin of officiate

1625–35; < Medieval Latin officiātus (past participle of officiāre to serve), equivalent to Latin offici(um) office + -ātus -ate1
Related formsof·fi·ci·a·tion, nounof·fi·ci·a·tor, nounun·of·fi·ci·at·ed, adjectiveun·of·fi·ci·at·ing, adjective
Can be confusedofficiate officious
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for officiate

British Dictionary definitions for officiate

officiate

/ (əˈfɪʃɪˌeɪt) /

verb (intr)

to hold the position, responsibility, or function of an official
to conduct a religious or other ceremony
Derived Formsofficiation, nounofficiator, noun

Word Origin for officiate

C17: from Medieval Latin officiāre, from Latin officium; see office
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for officiate

officiate

v.

1630s, "to perform a duty," especially "to perform the duty of a priest," from Medieval Latin officiatum, from present participle of officiare "perform religious services," from Latin officium (see office). Related: Officiated; officiating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper