solemnize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to perform the official or religious ceremony of a marriage

   A civil celebrant will solemnize the marriage at the town hall.

2. 2
   verb

   to observe or honor an occasion with formal rites or ceremony

   The community gathered to solemnize the anniversary with prayers and music.

3. 3
   verb

   to make a person, mood, or occasion serious, grave, or dignified

   The silence of the memorial garden seemed to solemnize every visitor.

From Late Middle English solempnisen, through Old French solemniser, from Medieval Latin solemnizare, based on Latin sollemnis, 'customary, formal, or celebrated at a fixed time.' Its ceremonial senses came first; 'make serious or grave' developed from the dignity associated with formal observance.

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