CultureSeptember 4, 2026

sacralization

sak-ruh-luh-ZAY-shun

Definition

The act or process of elevating someone or something to the status of a sacred or holy object, often resulting in them being treated with excessive reverence or protected from normal social judgment.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sacrum' (holy thing) combined with the suffix '-ization', which denotes the process of making something into a state or condition. It entered English to describe the historical and social practice of assigning divine or sacred significance to secular persons, places, or objects.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe how internet followers turned Luigi Mangione into a revered, almost holy figure of rebellion, showcasing a trend where people seek meaning by idolizing individuals involved in tragic or violent events.

Making sense of the surreal storm of the support for Lindsay Clancy

Read the full article ↗

Catholic World Report

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