To officially declare someone a saint after they have died, recognizing them as holy and worthy of veneration by the church.
From canon (an official list or rule) plus -ize suffix (meaning 'to make or treat as'). Originally meant 'to include in the canon' and evolved to mean specifically declaring sainthood.
When you canonize someone, you're literally putting them on the Church's official 'list' of saints—it's the ultimate religious approval and makes them eligible for worship and prayer.
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