Collins English-English Dictionary

consecrate ['kɑnsɪ,kreɪt]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to make or declare sacred or holy; sanctify

2. 2. vt. to dedicate (one's life, time, etc) to a specific purpose

3. 3. vt. to ordain (a bishop)

4. 4. vt. [Christianity] to sanctify (bread and wine) for the Eucharist to be received as the body and blood of Christ

5. 5. vt. to cause to be respected or revered; venerate

   time has consecrated this custom

6. 6. adj [archaic] consecrated

7. 7. adj [Etymology] C15: from Latin consecrare, from com- (intensive) + sacrare to devote, from sacer sacred