Pronunciation: [kˈanənˌa͡ɪzɪz] (IPA) 
The word "canonizes" is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s" due to the pronunciation of the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, the stressed syllable is /ˈkænənaɪz/ with the sound "ay" /aɪ/ at the end. This sound is spelled with a "y" when followed by a vowel sound, hence the letter "z" in the spelling of "canonizes." The word means to officially declare someone as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Canonizes is the verb form of the word "canonize." To canonize means to officially declare someone as a saint within the Catholic Church or to recognize their status as a particularly important or revered figure in a particular field of study, art, or literature. In the context of Catholicism, canonization involves an extensive investigation into the person's life, virtues, and any potential miracles performed after their death. If the candidate for sainthood meets the Church's criteria, including having led an exemplary life and having performed verified miracles, the Pope may issue a formal decree canonizing them, officially proclaiming their entry into the canon or list of saints. Canonization is considered a solemn and significant event within Catholicism, as it affirms the person’s holiness and elevates them to a position of veneration and intercession on behalf of the faithful.
In a broader sense, outside of religious contexts, canonizing refers to the act of recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements, contributions, or influence of an individual within a specific field. It suggests that the person's work, ideas, or creations have become a fundamental part of the recognized body of work or knowledge within that field. Canonizing can occur in various fields such as literature, art, music, and science, and typically involves acknowledging the profound impact an individual has had on the development or evolution of the field, or their enduring legacy.
The word "canonize" has its etymology in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "canonizare", which means to place someone in the list of saints. This Latin word, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "kanōn", which means a rule or measure. The Greek word "kanōn" was used in a religious context to refer to the list of officially recognized saints in the early Christian church. Over time, "canonize" began to be used in English to refer to the act of officially recognizing someone as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. It later expanded to have a more general meaning of declaring someone or something as authoritative or exemplary.
