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Glite Dictionary
to raise a libation

to raise a libation

9.9
Offer a drink in a ceremony to honor someone or a god
  • idiom
translation icon : ofrecer una libación
  • During the ceremony, the priest will raise a libation to honor the ancient gods.

Examples

  • As part of the tradition, they would raise a libation before each harvest to give thanks.

  • In his speech, he encouraged everyone to raise a libation for the fallen heroes.

  • Nerd, raise a libation in salute to Azkyroth.

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Synonyms

to drink
vsto raise a libation
161 6.3

To raise a glass and say good wishes to someone

is a formal ritual act aimed at honoring deities or important persons
to toast
vsto raise a libation
70 3.8

To raise a glass and drink to honor someone

is a ritual offering usually aimed at honoring deities rather than social figures
to raise a glass
vsto raise a libation
9 3.7

Hold up a drink with others to celebrate someone or something

is a formal ritual act made to honor gods or important persons
to raise a toast
vsto raise a libation
3 3.9

To make a short speech and drink to honor someone or something

is a ritual offering often directed to deities or ceremonial purposes
to pour a libation
vsto raise a libation
  • Formal
9.9

To pour a drink on the ground or an altar to honor gods and dead people

is a ritual drink offering often made to honor a deity or person
to libate
vsto raise a libation
  • Archaic
9.9

To pour out liquid as an offering in a ceremony

is the act of offering a drink ritually not only by pouring wine
to raise a snifter
vsto raise a libation
8.8

Lift a small brandy glass to make a toast

is a ceremonial offering meant to honor deities or sacred persons

Antonyms

to refuse
716 1.7

To say no to a request or offer

to withhold
210 5.1

Refuse to give something someone wants or needs

How Formal

to sacrifice
  • NSFW
133 5.3
to raise a libation
9.9
to sip
127 1.0

Surface Forms

raise a libation infinitive
raised a libation past
raised a libation past participle
raising a libation present participle
raises a libation third person singular

Morphology

raise + a + libation

The meaning is directly compositional: 'raise' (to lift/offer) combined with 'libation' (a ritual pouring or offering of liquid) yields 'to offer a drink as a ritual.' The pattern parallels common English phrases like 'raise a glass' and is cross-linguistically straightforward, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase raise a libation comes from ancient times when people lifted a cup and poured wine or water onto the ground or an altar to honor a god or a dead person. So the clear image of lifting, raise, and the poured offering, libation, explains why it now means 'to offer a drink in a ceremony' to show respect.