Enshrine

/ɪnˈʃraɪn/ verb

Definition

To place something sacred or important in a shrine, or to preserve and honor something as sacred or deeply valuable.

Etymology

From English prefix 'en-' + 'shrine' (a sacred place or reliquary). Originally literal (placing relics in a shrine), the word evolved to mean preserving something as sacred or protected, becoming more metaphorical over time.

Kelly Says

'Enshrine' is one of the most powerful legacy words from religious practices—it bridges the physical act of protecting sacred objects and the abstract idea of honoring principles or rights (like 'enshrined in the Constitution'), showing how language rises from temples to describe what society holds sacred.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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