Deodate

/ˌdiːoʊˈdeɪt/ verb

Definition

To dedicate to God or the divine; to consecrate or make sacred.

Etymology

From Late Latin 'deodatus' (dedicated to God), combining 'deus' (god) and 'datus' (given). Used in medieval Christian contexts to describe the act of offering something to God, though rarely used in modern English outside historical or religious texts.

Kelly Says

This word shares the same root as 'deodorant'—both use Latin 'deus' (god)—but with opposite meanings: deodate makes something sacred to God, while deodorant removes odor, making you acceptable in society; both are about becoming spiritually or socially purified.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.