dignify

Etymology

From Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, from dignus (“worthy”) + ficare (in comp.), facere (“to make”). See deign and fact.

verb

1. (transitive) To invest with dignity or honour.
   Your worth will dignify our feast. 1616, Ben Jonson, Inviting A Friend To Supper
2. (transitive) To give distinction to.
   Or, when more deeply moved, he would exclaim-- "As noble thoughts the inward being grace, So noble whiskers dignify the face." 1918, Norman Lindsay, The Magic Pudding, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 10
3. (transitive) To exalt in rank.
4. (transitive, chiefly in the negative) To treat as worthy or acceptable; to indulge or condone by acknowledging.
   I will not dignify that comment with a response.