pay tribute to

pay tribute to (someone or something)

To do something as a way of publicly showing respect or admiration for a particular person, group, or thing. The movie pays tribute to an old adventure serial that ran on television in the mid-1930s. Fans across the world are paying tribute to the pop star following his sudden death.See also: pay, tribute

pay tribute to someone or something

Fig. to salute someone or something; to give public recognition to someone or something. Many of Judy's friends gathered to pay tribute to her. We will have a reception to pay tribute to the work of the committee.See also: pay, tribute

pay ˈtribute to somebody/something

show that you respect or admire somebody/something: Members of the musical profession paid tribute to the late Leonard Bernstein.In the past, people often had to pay tribute to a ruler, which meant paying money in return for protection or for not being attacked.See also: pay, somebody, something, tribute