tr.v., -rat·ed, -rat·ing, -rates.
- To furnish, provide, or adorn with something ornamental; embellish.
- To confer a medal or other honor on: was decorated for bravery.
[From Middle English decorat, made beautiful, from Latin decorātus, past participle of decorāre, to beautify, from decus, decor-, honor, ornament.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
