Committing yourself fully to something or someone; devoting your time and energy; or formally setting something aside for a special purpose or person.
From Latin dedicare meaning to devote or consecrate, from de- (completely) + dicare (to make official). The word entered English in the 1400s with both religious and secular meanings of formal commitment.
When an author 'dedicates' a book 'to' someone, they're using a tradition dating back to ancient times when writers would present works to patrons or loved ones. This act of dedication creates a permanent link between the creator, the work, and the person honored.
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