hallow
UK[ˈhæləʊ]US[ˈhæloʊ]
v
to make holy; to honor as holy
v
to respect or honor greatly; to revere
Etymology
the word 'hallow' originates from the old english verb 'hālgian', meaning 'to make holy, consecrate'. this old english term is derived from the adjective 'hālig', meaning 'holy', which itself has proto-germanic roots in 'hailagaz'. the core semantic concept of 'wholeness' or 'health' is traced back to the proto-indo-european root 'kailo-', meaning 'whole, uninjured, of good omen'. the evolution from a physical state of wholeness to a spiritual state of sacredness is a common pattern. the modern verb 'hallow' retains this ancient sense of consecration, famously preserved in the phrase "hallowed be thy name" from the lord's prayer, and is the root from which the noun 'halloween' (all hallows' eve) is derived.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from old english. it is not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the ground was hallowed by the memories of those who fought there.
we should hallow the principles upon which our nation was founded.
the ancient cemetery is a hallowed place for the local community.