enshrine

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to establish and protect a principle or right in a law, constitution, or institution

   The constitution enshrines freedom of expression in national law.

2. 2
   verb

   to preserve or cherish something as sacred or especially important

   The museum enshrines the manuscript as a symbol of national identity.

3. 3
   verb

   to place or enclose a sacred object in a shrine

   The community chose to enshrine the relic beneath the altar.

Formed from en- ("put in") + shrine. Its literal sense is to place a relic in a sacred container or place. The figurative senses extend that protection and reverence to cherished memories, principles, and rights formally secured in law.

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