Cēl'e-brāte, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. CELEBRATED; p. pr. & vb. n. CELEBRATING.] [Lat. celebratus, p. p. of celebrare, from celeber, famous; Fr. célébrer, Pr., Sp., & Pg. celebrar, It. celebrare.]
Sense 1. To mention with praise or commendation; to extol; as, to celebrate the name of the Most High.
Sense 2. To honor by solemn rites, or by ceremonies of joy and respect; to solemnize; as, to celebrate the birth-day of Washington.
Synonyms—To commemorate; distinguish; honor.—To CELEBRATE, COMMEMORATE. We commemorate events which we desire to cherish in affectionate remembrance by appropriate rites; as, to commemorate the death of our Savior. We celebrate by demonstrations of joy in appropriate ceremonies expressive of respect or affection; as, to celebrate the Lord's Supper; to celebrate the birth-day of our Independence.
We are called upon to commemorate a revolution as surprising in its manner as happy in its consequences. Atterbury.
Earth, water, air, and fire, with feeling glee, Exult to celebrate thy festival. Thomson.