Definition of: celebrate

(sel′ə·brāt) v. ·brat·ed, ·brat·ing v.t.
1. To observe, as a festival or occasion, with demonstrations of respect or rejoicing.
2. To make known or famous; extol, as in song or poem: to celebrate a hero.
3. To perform a ceremony publicly and as ordained, as with solemn rites.
—v.i.
4. To observe or commemorate a day or event.
5. To observe the Eucharist. [<L celebratus, pp. of celebrare celebrate, honor <celeber famous]
—cel′e·brat′er or ·bra′tor noun Synonyms (verb): commemorate, keep, observe, solemnize. To celebrate any event or occasion is to make some demonstration of respect or rejoicing because of or in memory of it, or to perform such public rites or ceremonies as it properly demands. We celebrate the birth, commemorate the death of one beloved or honored. We celebrate a national anniversary with music, song, firing of guns and ringing of bells; we commemorate by any solemn and thoughtful service, or by a monument or other enduring memorial. We keep the Sabbath, solemnize a marriage, observe an anniversary; we celebrate or observe the Lord's Supper in which believers commemorate the sufferings and death of Christ. See KEEP, PRAISE. Antonyms: contemn, despise, dishonor, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, profane, violate.