Definition

1. Verb:
   • To install a monarch or bishop ceremonially on a throne: The primary meaning refers to the formal act of placing a king, queen, or high-ranking religious leader on their throne, symbolizing the beginning of their rule or office.
   • To invest with high authority or power; to exalt: A figurative meaning where someone or something is elevated to a position of great importance, dominance, or reverence.

Usage and Examples

• Literal Ceremonial Installation:
  • The new king will be enthroned in a grand ceremony at the cathedral next week.
  • The archbishop was enthroned in a solemn service attended by thousands.
• Figurative Empowerment or Exaltation:
  • The company's new policy seems to enthrone efficiency above all other values, including employee well-being.
  • The critic's essay sought to enthrone the novel as the greatest work of the century.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to enthrone someone/something as...": This structure is common when specifying the new status or title.
  • The movement aimed to enthrone democracy as the only legitimate form of government.
• The past participle "enthroned" is often used adjectivally.
  • The enthroned emperor greeted his subjects.
  • For decades, the enthroned ideology went unchallenged.

Variants and Related Words

• Enthronement (noun): The ceremony or act of enthroning.
  • The enthronement of the pope is a major global event.
• Dethrone (verb): The opposite action; to remove from a throne or position of power.
  • The rebels sought to dethrone the tyrannical king.

Synonyms

• Install: To place formally in an office or position.
• Invest: To provide with authority or power, often in a ceremonial context.
• Crown: Specifically to place a crown on a monarch's head, a key part of enthronement.
• Exalt: To raise in rank, character, or status (closer to the figurative sense).

Antonyms

• Dethrone: To remove from a throne.
• Depose: To remove from office or power, especially suddenly or forcefully.
• Oust: To drive out or expel from a position or place.

Idioms and Figurative Phrases

• While not a phrasal verb, the figurative use of "enthrone" itself is idiomatic.
  • In that society, they enthrone tradition over innovation. (Here, "enthrone" means to give the highest priority or reverence to.)

Verb

1. put a monarch on the throne
   • The Queen was enthroned more than 50 years ago
2. provide with power and authority
   • They vested the council with special rights