1. officially declares (a deceased person) to be a saint in the Catholic Church
Usage: religious
2. treats as being above criticism; gives official approval or acceptance to

Examples

• The Pope canonizes individuals who have performed miracles and lived holy lives.
• The church canonizes Saint Teresa next month in a special ceremony.
• Popular culture often canonizes certain artists after their death.
• The committee canonizes these practices as standard procedure.
• History canonizes some leaders while forgetting others.
• The academy canonizes works that meet their literary standards.