ven·er·ate (vn-rt)
tr.v. ven·er·at·ed, ven·er·at·ing, ven·er·ates
To regard with respect, reverence, or heartfelt deference. See Synonyms at revere1.
[Latin venerr, venert-, to venerate, from venus, vener-, love, desire; see wen-1 in Indo-European roots.]
vener·ator n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.