solemnize

American  

[sol-uhm-nahyz] / ˈsɒl əmˌnaɪz /

especially British, solemnise

verb (used with object)

solemnized, solemnizing

1. to perform the ceremony of (marriage).

2. to hold or perform (ceremonies, rites, etc.) in due manner.

3. to observe or commemorate with rites or ceremonies.

   to solemnize an occasion with prayer.

4. to go through with ceremony or formality.

5. to render solemn, serious, or grave; dignify.

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verb (used without object)

solemnized, solemnizing

1. to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.

solemnize British  

/ ˈsɒləmˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to celebrate or observe with rites or formal ceremonies, as a religious occasion

2. to celebrate or perform the ceremony of (marriage)

3. to make solemn or serious

4. to perform or hold (ceremonies, etc) in due manner

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Other Word Forms

• solemnization noun
• solemnizer noun
• unsolemnized adjective

Etymology

Origin of solemnize

1350–1400; Middle English solempnise < Medieval Latin sōlemnizāre, equivalent to Latin sōlemnis solemn + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

Leon P. Hammond, who was designated by the Salt Lake County clerk to solemnize the marriage, led the ceremony, which the couple had postponed in 2020 because of the coronavirus.

From New York Times

According to Colorado state law, couples can indeed solemnize their own marriage by performing the wedding ceremony themselves.

From Fox News

Once received, the license must be solemnized with a ceremony conducted by someone recognized as having the legal power do so.

From Los Angeles Times

Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger’s bill would have expanded those allowed to solemnize marriages to include all federal court of appeals and federal district judges - including those outside New York.

From Washington Times

Chapel in Cambridge, Mass. Rahul S. Kini, a friend of the couple, officiated, having received permission from Massachusetts to solemnize the marriage.

From New York Times