v.
Pronunciation: ' e-d ə - ˌ f ī
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -fied ; -fy · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French edifier, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin aedificare to instruct or improve spiritually, from Latin, to erect a house, from aedes temple, house; akin to Old English ā d funeral pyre, Latin aestas summer
Date: 14th century
1 archaic a : BUILD b : ESTABLISH
2 : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge : UPLIFT also : ENLIGHTEN , INFORM