divinization
|di-vin-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌdɪvɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌdɪvɪnɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
making godlike
Etymology
'divinization' originates from English formation based on the verb 'divinize' (or UK 'divinise'), where the root comes from Latin 'divinus' meaning 'of a god' or 'divine'.
'divinization' developed from the verb 'divinize' (formed in Modern English from Latin-derived 'divine' + suffix '-ize'), which itself traces back to Latin 'divinus' and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European roots referring to deity; the noun formed by adding the productive English nominal suffix '-ation'.
Initially the components meant 'of a god' (Latin 'divinus') and 'to make' (suffix '-ize'); over time the combined term came to mean specifically 'the act of making divine' and acquired specialized theological sense (e.g., theosis).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making divine; deification or apotheosis.
The ancient ruler’s divinization elevated him above ordinary law in the eyes of his subjects.
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Noun 2
in Christian theology (especially Eastern Orthodox), the process by which a person becomes united with or participates in the divine nature (also called theosis).
Many Church Fathers wrote about divinization as the goal of Christian life — becoming more like God by grace.
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Last updated: 2025/10/13 18:43