1. (v.) To dedicate or set apart as sacred.

2. (v. t.) To make, or declare to be, sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service or worship of God; as, to consecrate a church; to give (one's self) unreservedly, as to the service of God.

3. (v. t.) To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop.

4. (v. t.) To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor.

5. (v. t.) To render venerable or revered; to hallow; to dignify; as, rules or principles consecrated by time.