Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Venerate \Ven"er*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Venerated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Venerating}.] [L. veneratus, p. p. of venerari to
   venerate; akin to Venus Venus, Skr. van to like, to wish, and
   E. winsome. See {Winsome}.]
   To regard with reverential respect; to honor with mingled
   respect and awe; to reverence; to revere; as, we venerate
   parents and elders.

         And seemed to venerate the sacred shade. --Dryden.

         I do not know a man more to be venerated for
         uprightness of heart and loftiness of genius. --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.

   Syn: To reverence; revere; adore; respect.

Source : WordNet®

venerate
     v : regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider
         hallowed or exalted or be in awe of; "Fear God as your
         father"; "We venerate genius" [syn: {reverence}, {fear},
         {revere}]