weihen
Translation
to consecrate, to dedicate, to ordain
Examples
Der Priester weihte die neue Kirche.
The priest consecrated the new church.
Er weihte sein Leben der Forschung.
He dedicated his life to research.
Sie wurde zur Priesterin geweiht.
She was ordained as a priestess.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to consecrate (sth.) The bishop consecrated the chapel.
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to dedicate (sth.) to (sb.) He dedicated his life to art.
((sb.)) ((as sth.)) to ordain (sb.) as (sth.) He was ordained as a priest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: segnen (to bless), widmen (to dedicate)
Etymology
From Old High German 'wīhen', related to 'heilig' (holy).
Memory Tips
Think of 'Weihnachten' (Christmas), which is a holy ('heilig') time. 'Weihen' is the act of making something holy.