(+ to) to make a solemn long-term commitment of (oneself or one's time) to achieving a particular goal or pursuing a particular way of life
to set (something) apart for a specific use or purpose
to set (something, e.g. a building) apart for a sacred purpose, e.g.esp to devote it to the worship of God or the commemoration of a particular individual (e.g. a saint)
to inscribe or address (a book, song, etc) to somebody or something as a mark of esteem or affection
He dedicated the new book to a friend
dedicatee /-kəʹtee/ noun
dedicative adj
dedicator noun
dedicatory adj
[Middle English from Latin dedicatus, past part. of dedicare to affirm, dedicate, from de- + dicare to proclaim]