canonizar
1. To declare (a deceased person) to be a saint, especially by formal ecclesiastical action
The Pope canonized Mother Teresa in 2016.
O Papa canonizou a Mãe Teresa em 2016.
2. To treat or regard as a saint or holy person
Society tends to canonize its heroes without examining their flaws.
A sociedade tende a canonizar seus heróis sem examinar seus defeitos.
3. To accept or approve officially; to establish as a standard or principle
The literary canon canonizes certain works as essential reading.
O cânone literário canoniza certas obras como leitura essencial.
4. To include in a canon or official list
The committee decided to canonize these documents as authoritative sources.
O comitê decidiu canonizar esses documentos como fontes autoritárias.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'canonize' is primarily used in religious settings when referring to the Roman Catholic Church's formal process of declaring someone a saint. Metaphorically, it has become increasingly common in academic and cultural discussions about which works, ideas, or figures are deemed worthy of lasting significance or official recognition. This reflects broader discussions about who gets to decide what is considered 'canonical' or essential in culture and literature.
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