What does canonise mean?
Canonise is a verb meaning, in its strict ecclesiastical sense, to officially declare a deceased person to be a saint within the Roman Catholic Church — a formal act following extensive investigation into the person's life and miracles. More broadly and figuratively, the word describes treating anyone or anything as sacred, authoritative, or beyond criticism: a critic may be said to have canonised a novelist, or a discipline may canonise certain texts as foundational. The figurative use is common in literary, cultural, and academic discussion, where it often carries a faintly ironic edge, implying uncritical reverence. The word derives from the Greek-derived Latin 'canon', meaning a rule or authoritative list, so at its heart lies the idea of inscribing someone onto an official, unalterable register. It is formal in tone and spelled canonize in American English.
To officially declare a deceased person to be a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
"Pope Francis canonised the two children of Fátima in 2017."
This sense applies specifically to formal papal proclamation.
To treat or regard a person, work, or idea as sacred, authoritative, or beyond criticism.
"The syllabus has effectively canonised a handful of Victorian novels while ignoring contemporary voices."
Often used figuratively in cultural or literary criticism, sometimes ironically.
The same word that makes saints also makes literary classics — we 'canonise' both holy figures and books we refuse to let go of.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of canonise
Canonise comes from the noun 'canon', which traces back through Latin 'canonicus' and Greek 'kanōn' ('rule' or 'measuring rod') to a probable Semitic root related to a reed used as a measuring stick. In ecclesiastical Latin, 'canonizare' meant to enter a name onto the official list (the canon) of recognised saints. English adopted the verb in the early modern period, with the -ise/-ize suffix marking it as derived from a Latin verbal form. Its cognates include 'canon', 'canonical', and 'canonization'.
How canonise is actually used
Formal in register. The religious sense is specific to the Roman Catholic (and, historically, Orthodox) process of declaring sainthood. In British spelling the verb ends in -ise; American usage prefers -ize (canonize). The figurative sense often carries a slightly ironic tone when applied to authors, artists, or institutions treated with uncritical reverence.
Easily confused with canonise
A cannonade is continuous heavy artillery fire, whereas canonise means to declare someone a saint or treat them as authoritative — the words share only a superficial sound.