Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Canonize \Can"on*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Canonized}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Canonizing}.] [F. canoniser or LL. canonizare, fr. L.
   canon.. See {Canon}.]
   1. (Eccl.) To declare (a deceased person) a saint; to put in
      the catalogue of saints; as, Thomas a Becket was
      canonized.

   2. To glorify; to exalt to the highest honor.

            Fame in time to come canonize us.     --Shak.

   2. To rate as inspired; to include in the canon.[R.]

Source : WordNet®

canonize
     v 1: in the Catholic church; declare (a dead person) to be a
          saint; "After he was shown to have performed a miracle,
          the priest was canonized" [syn: {canonise}, {saint}]
     2: treat as a sacred person; "He canonizes women" [syn: {canonise}]
     3: add in the canon or calendar of the saints; "He was
        canonized not long after his death" [syn: {canonise}]