solemnize

[sol-uh m-nahyz]

See more synonyms for solemnize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.

to perform the ceremony of (marriage).
to hold or perform (ceremonies, rites, etc.) in due manner.
to observe or commemorate with rites or ceremonies: to solemnize an occasion with prayer.

to go through with ceremony or formality.
to render solemn, serious, or grave; dignify.

verb (used without object), sol·em·nized, sol·em·niz·ing.

to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.

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 for solemnize

bless, dignify, mark, commemorate, exalt, venerate, observe, honor, celebrate

Examples from the Web for solemnize

Historical Examples of solemnize

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)

to celebrate or observe with rites or formal ceremonies, as a religious occasion
to celebrate or perform the ceremony of (marriage)
to make solemn or serious
to perform or hold (ceremonies, etc) in due manner

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

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.