Canonize

Verb

Definition: To officially declare a person as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Synonyms: Saint, Venerate, Deify

Antonyms: Condemn, Disapprove

Examples:

The Pope canonized the nun for her selfless work with the poor.
The Church decided to canonize the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith.

Mnemonics:

'Canon' refers to the official collection of religious texts, so canonizing someone means to declare them as officially recognized by the religious authorities.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "canonizare," meaning "to make a canon" or "to place in the canon."

Historical Usage:

The word "canonize" originated in the late Middle English period and has primarily been used in a religious context to refer to the official process of declaring someone a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Canonize someone's achievements"

Explanation:

To give great praise and recognition to someone's accomplishments or contributions.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "canonize" with "canon" (as in a weapon or a rule/standard).

Explanation:

While "canonize" and "canon" have similar spellings, they have distinct meanings. "Canonize" refers to the act of declaring someone a saint, while "canon" has various meanings, including a type of weapon or a rule/collection of religious texts.