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solemnize

[sol-uh m-nahyz]
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verb (used with object), sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.
  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), sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.
  1. to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.
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Also especially British, sol·em·nise.

Origin of solemnize

1350–1400; Middle English solempnise < Medieval Latin sōlemnizāre, equivalent to Latin sōlemnis solemn + -izāre -ize
Related formssol·em·ni·za·tion, nounsol·em·niz·er, nounun·sol·em·nized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for solemnization

Historical Examples

  • We are informed that the solemnization of it was owing to a miracle.

    Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. II

    Francis Augustus Cox

  • I searched in my drawer and read over the "Form of Solemnization of Matrimony."

    Memoirs of a Midget

    Walter de la Mare

  • She is indeed between the contract of her marriage and its solemnization.

  • We are just returned from the solemnization of the last mournful rite.

  • During the solemnization of the Olympic Games, the bitterest animosities were laid aside.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

British Dictionary definitions for solemnization

solemnize

solemnise

verb (tr)
  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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Derived Formssolemnization or solemnisation, nounsolemnizer or solemniser, noun
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 solemnization

n.

mid-15c., "act of celebrating," from Old French solemnisation, solempnisation, or directly from Medieval Latin solempnizationem (nominative solempnizatio), from Latin sollemnis (see solemn).

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solemnize

v.

late 14c., "honor by ceremonies," from Old French solemnisier, from Medieval Latin solemnizare, from Latin solemnis (see solemn). Meaning "render solemn" is from 1726. Related: Solemnized; solemnizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper