tr.v. ded·i·cat·ed, ded·i·cat·ing, ded·i·cates 1. To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate. 2. To set apart for a special use: dedicated their money to scientific research. 3. To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action: dedicated ourselves to starting our own business. See Synonyms at devote. 4. To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection. 5. a. To open (a building, for example) to public use. b. To show to the public for the first time: dedicate a monument. [Middle English dedicaten, from Latin dēdicāre, dēdicāt- : dē-, de- + dicāre, to proclaim; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] dedi·ca′tor n. |
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