Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of making something sacred or dedicating it to a divine purpose: In religious contexts, "consecration" refers to the formal and solemn act of declaring something holy or setting it apart for God's service, often through specific rites or ceremonies.
   • A profound and solemn commitment of oneself or one's time to a cherished purpose: More broadly, it signifies the complete and devoted dedication of one's life, time, or effort to a particular service, goal, or ideal.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Religious):

  • The bishop performed the consecration of the new altar.
  • The ancient ritual involved the consecration of the temple grounds.

• Noun (Secular/Figurative):

  • Her consecration to the cause of human rights inspired everyone.
  • His life was a model of consecration to scientific discovery.

Advanced Usage

• "Act of consecration": A formal phrase emphasizing the ceremonial or deliberate nature of the dedication.

  • The priest led the congregation in an act of consecration.

• "In a state of consecration": Describing something that has been made sacred or a person who is wholly dedicated.

  • The chalice, now in a state of consecration, was used only for the Eucharist.

Variants and Related Words

• Consecrate (verb): To make or declare sacred; to dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.

  • They will consecrate the new church building next week.

• Consecrated (adjective): Made sacred or dedicated.

  • He walked on consecrated ground.

• Consecratory (adjective): Relating to or used in consecration.

  • The bishop recited the consecratory prayers.

Synonyms

• Dedication: The act of committing to a particular task or purpose. (Often used interchangeably in secular contexts).
• Sanctification: The action of making something holy. (More specific to the process of becoming holy).
• Hallowing: Making holy or sacred.

Related Phrases

• "Consecration to duty": A phrase denoting total devotion to one's responsibilities.

  • The soldier's consecration to duty was unquestionable.

• "Vows of consecration": Refers to solemn promises made, especially in religious life, to dedicate oneself to God.

  • She took her vows of consecration as a nun.

Noun

1. (religion) sanctification of something by setting it apart (usually with religious rites) as dedicated to God
   • the Cardinal attended the consecration of the church
2. a solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal)
   • his consecration to study