A hallow is something holy, sacred, or deeply revered, and it can be used both as a verb and as a noun.

Basic meaning

  • As a verb, to hallow means to make something holy, to consecrate it, or to treat it as sacred and worthy of reverence.
  • As a noun, a hallow can mean a holy person (like a saint) or a sacred thing, place, or object.

In everyday and religious use

  • In religious language, people talk about “hallowed ground” for land that has been blessed or set apart for sacred use, such as a cemetery or shrine.
  • The phrase “Hallowed be Thy name” in the Christian Lord’s Prayer means “may Your name be honored as holy and deeply revered.”

As a noun in phrases

  • In some contexts, hallow as a noun refers to a sacred being or object, often seen in compounds like “All Hallows.”
  • The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” meaning the evening before All Saints’ (All Hallows’) Day, a Christian feast honoring saints.

Etymology and nuance

  • The word is connected to old forms meaning “holy” or “saint,” which is why it still carries a strong sense of sacredness and reverence today.
  • Modern English more often uses words like “holy,” “sacred,” or “bless,” but hallow survives in set phrases and poetic or religious contexts.

TL;DR: A hallow is something holy or deeply revered, and to hallow is to make or treat something as sacred.