solemnize

• POS: Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: sol=em=nize

CIDE DICTIONARY

solemnize, v. t. [Cf. F. solemniser, sollemniser.].

•  To perform with solemn or ritual ceremonies, or according to legal forms.  [1913 Webster]

  "Baptism to be administered in one place, and marriage solemnized in another."  [1913 Webster]
•  To dignify or honor by ceremonies; to celebrate.  [1913 Webster]

  "Their choice nobility and flowers . . .
  Met from all parts to solemnize this feast."  [1913 Webster]
•  To make grave, serious, and reverential.  [1913 Webster]

  "Wordsworth was solemnizzed and elevated by this his first look on Yarrow."  [1913 Webster]

  "Every Israelite . . . arose, solemnized his face, looked towards Jerusalem . . . and prayed."  [1913 Webster]

solemnize, n. 

 Solemnization.  [1913 Webster]
"Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

solemnize, v.tr. (also -ise)
1 duly perform (a ceremony esp. of marriage).
2 celebrate (a festival etc.).
3 make solemn.

Derivative

solemnization n.

Etymology

ME f. OF solem(p)niser f. med.L solemnizare (as SOLEMN)

THESAURUS

solemnize

administer Communion, attend Communion, attend Mass, beat the drum, blow the trumpet, celebrate, celebrate Mass, commemorate, communicate, conventionalize, dignify, dress ship, fire a salute, formalize, freer, hallow, hold jubilee, honor, jubilate, jubilize, keep, maffick, make merry, mark, memorialize, observe, receive the Sacrament, ritualize, signalize, solemnly mark, sound a fanfare, stylize, venerate

ROGET THESAURUS

solemnize

Celebration

VB celebrate keep, signalize, do honor to, commemorate, solemnize, hallow, mark with a red letter, pledge, drink to, toast, hob and nob, inaugurate, install, chair, rejoice, kill the fatted calf, hold jubilee, roast an ox.