Venerate
Etymology
From Latin venerari, "to worship, revere, pay homage," from vener-, the stem of venus, "love, desire, beauty" — the same root behind the goddess Venus. What began as reverent love owed to the gods broadened into the profound respect we now pay to people and things we hold in awe.
verb · /VEN-uh-rayt/
To regard with deep respect and reverence.
What it names
The word for honoring something as almost sacred — the awe reserved for elders, saints, masters, or hallowed traditions.
Example
The lab still venerates its founder, whose portrait hangs where every new hire must pass it.
Related idea
Respect is measured esteem; to venerate adds reverence — a respect edged with something like worship.