solemnize

[ sol-uhm-nahyz ]

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.

verb (used without object)

, sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.

1. to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.

solemnize

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈsolemˌnizer, noun
• ˌsolemniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• solem·ni·zation noun
• solem·nizer noun
• un·solem·nized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solemnize¹

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

Example Sentences

And then I purpose to leave Lord M. (dangerously ill as he is,) and meet her at her appointed church, in order to solemnize.

From Project Gutenberg

Afterward all the Bishops and Abbots of Normandy assembled to solemnize the funerall.

From Project Gutenberg

No minister is allowed, as a rule, to solemnize the marriage of any man or woman who has a divorced husband or wife still living.

From Project Gutenberg

Comparatively few of the latter were permitted to solemnize matrimony during the first forty years of the Province's history.

From Project Gutenberg

Hymen himself Will bless this marriage, which we'll solemnize In the presence of these kings.

From Project Gutenberg