to set apart and consecrate to a deity or to a sacred purpose: The ancient Greeks dedicated many shrines to Aphrodite.
2.
to devote wholly and earnestly, as to some person or purpose: He dedicated his life to fighting corruption.
3.
to offer formally (a book, piece of music, etc.) to a person, cause, or the like in testimony of affection or respect, as on a prefatory page.
4.
(loosely) to inscribe a personal signature on (a book, drawing, etc., that is one's own work), usually with a salutation addressing the recipient.
5.
to mark the official completion or opening of (a public building, monument, highway, etc.), usually by formal ceremonies.
6.
to set aside for or assign to a specific function, task, or purpose: The county health agency has dedicated one inspector to monitor conditions in nursing homes.
[Origin: 1375–1425; late ME (v. and adj.) < L dédicātus ptp. of dédicāre to declare, devote, equiv. to dé-de-+ dicāre to indicate, consecrate, akin to dīcere to say, speak (see dictate)]
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Audio Help [v. ded-i-keyt; adj. ded-i-kit] Pronunciation Key verb, -cat·ed, -cat·ing, adjective 