canonize

To canonize someone is to officially declare them a saint in the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church. But it doesn't always involve religion! We also use "canonize" to mean praising someone or something so much that they become widely accepted as a model or authority—think of how people canonize classic authors, landmark albums, or beloved movie directors.

The word comes from a "canon": a recognized list or standard. When the church canonizes a person, it's adding them to an official list of saints. But you can also canonize something figuratively: critics might say a film director has been canonized by cinephiles, meaning their work is treated as essential and almost beyond dispute. So whether it's religious recognition or cultural acclaim, to canonize means to elevate someone or something into an honored, authoritative position.

Originally, to canonize meant to officially declare a deceased person a saint in the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is a complex process involving investigation into the person's life, miracles attributed to them, and formal approval. When someone is canonized, their name is added to an official list of saints—the "canon"—and they become an object of veneration for believers. For example: "Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa in 2016."

However, over time, "canonize" has taken on a broader, figurative meaning. It now also means to praise someone or something so highly that they are considered exemplary, authoritative, or beyond criticism. This usage often applies to figures in art, literature, music, or other cultural fields.

You might hear: "Critics have canonized Shakespeare as the greatest playwright of all time," or "Some fans have canonized the original Star Wars trilogy." In this sense, it suggests a level of reverence and acceptance that borders on unquestioning admiration. It implies that something has become established as a standard or benchmark for others to follow.

It's important to note that while religious canonization is an official act with specific criteria, figurative canonization is more subjective and based on popular opinion or critical consensus. However, both meanings share the core idea of elevating someone or something to a position of exceptional honor and influence. So whether it's through religious decree or widespread acclaim, to canonize is to establish something as revered, authoritative, or deeply respected.