lustrate

/ˈlʌstɹeɪt/

Etymology

From Latin lustrātus (“lustrated”), perfect passive participle of lustrō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from lustrum (“ritual purification”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix), q.v. In reference to imparting luster, further via senses of Middle French lustre, from Old Italian lustro.

Why this word is great

LUSTRATE — [Verb] To purify or cleanse ceremonially, especially through a ritual offering or sacrifice. From Latin lustrātus, past participle of lustrāre ("to purify ceremonially"), from lustrum ("ritual purification") + -ō (verb-forming suffix). Unlike "sanctify" (which implies making holy) or "cleanse" (which is merely practical), "lustrate" carries the weight of ancient rites—the smoke of burning herbs curling toward the heavens, the slow drip of wine onto sacred stones, the trembling hands of a supplicant offering a dove to the gods. It is the act of scrubbing away not just dirt, but dread; not just stains, but sin. A fleeting attempt to bargain with the unseen.

verb

Synonym of purify, to ritually cleanse or renew, particularly to do so with a propitiatory offering or (historical) the lustration, quinquennial ritual of the Roman censor to cleanse the city after a census.“We must purge, and cleanse, and lustrate the whole city.”
Synonym of pass through, traverse.
Synonym of look, look over, survey.
Synonym of luster, to impart luster to, to make lustrous.