szentelni

Szentelni is the Hungarian verb meaning to make holy or to consecrate, i.e., to set something apart for sacred use. It is used mainly in religious contexts to dedicate objects, places, or people to divine service, and it can also be used metaphorically to describe sanctifying or venerating something.

Etymology: The word is formed from the adjective szent (holy) with the infinitive suffix -elni. The related noun szentelés denotes the act of consecration, and felszentelés is the explicit term for the formal consecration or dedication of a building, altar, or office.

Usage and forms: In practice it often appears with prefixes such as meg- or fel-: megszentelni (to consecrate, to sanctify); megszenteli (he/she consecrates); megszentelték (they consecrated). Example sentences: "A pap megszenteli az oltárt." "Az épületet felszentelték." In religious law or liturgy, felszentelés describes the ceremony of dedication; though in common language szentelés is also used.

Notes: The act is distinct from áldás (blessing), which is a separate rite. Figuratively, szentelni can be used for sanctifying a memory or a task, but this is less common and often stylistic.