What does enthronement mean?
Enthronement refers to the formal act or ceremony of placing a monarch, bishop, or other high dignitary upon a throne or into an official seat of authority. It is most commonly associated with royal and religious traditions: emperors, kings, popes, patriarchs, and archbishops are all said to be enthroned when they are formally installed. The word also has an important figurative use, describing the elevation of an idea, value, or practice to a position of dominant importance — as in the enthronement of reason or of consumerism. In this extended sense it often carries a subtly critical tone, suggesting that the thing elevated may not merit such exalted status. The word derives from 'throne', ultimately from Greek 'thronos' meaning a seat or chair of state. Formal in register, it appears most frequently in journalism about royal ceremonies, ecclesiastical affairs, and cultural commentary.
The act or ceremony of formally installing a monarch, bishop, or other dignitary on a throne or in an official position of authority.
"The enthronement of the new emperor was broadcast to millions worldwide."
The figurative elevation of a person, idea, or thing to a position of supreme importance or dominance.
"He lamented the enthronement of celebrity over substance in public life."
Usually used in the singular for a single ceremony; plural occurs when referring to multiple such events across time or places.
"The abbey has witnessed numerous royal enthronements over the centuries."
In Japan, the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in 2019 was the first in nearly three decades — and it cost over $16 million.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enthronement
Enthronement derives from the verb 'enthrone', formed in English by adding the prefix 'en-' to 'throne'. The noun 'throne' comes through Old French and Latin from Greek 'thronos', meaning a high seat or chair of state. The verb 'enthrone' dates from around the late sixteenth century, with the noun 'enthronement' following shortly after. Related words sharing this root include 'dethrone' and 'enthral' (originally meaning to hold in thrall, from a related Old Norse root).
Related word forms
How enthronement is actually used
Formal register. In religious contexts (especially Eastern Orthodoxy and Anglicanism), 'enthronement' is the standard term for seating a bishop or patriarch in his cathedral. In Japanese imperial usage, the term is specifically associated with the 'sokui' ceremony. The figurative sense often carries a slightly critical or ironic tone, implying that something has been elevated to unmerited prominence.
Easily confused with enthronement
A coronation is the specific crowning of a monarch, while an enthronement is the broader formal act of installing any dignitary — monarch, bishop, or otherwise — in their seat of authority.