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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

Related Words

blessdignifymarkcommemorateexaltvenerateobservehonorcelebrate

Examples from the Web for solemnize

Historical Examples

  • I prefer, however, to solemnize marriage in the church, when possible.

    Victor's Triumph

    Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth

  • No melody was like a passing spright160 If it went not to solemnize thy reign.

    Endymion

    John Keats

  • There are no priests here, no churches here, no god to solemnize a marriage.

    The Moon Colony

    William Dixon Bell

  • This day, so marked in my life, lacked no circumstance that was needed to solemnize it.

    The Lily of the Valley

    Honore de Balzac

  • You give me your word, then, that it is a marriage I ought to solemnize?

    The End Of The World

    Edward Eggleston

British Dictionary definitions for solemnize

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 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