decorate
v.v. to make something look more attractive by adding extra items or patterns to it. You can also use this when you paint or put wallpaper in a room.
v. to add ornamental features or patterns to an object or surface to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Also used to describe the act of painting or papering a room.
We plan to decorate the living room this weekend.
The bakery staff spend hours each morning to decorate the wedding cakes with intricate sugar flowers.
While the architect focused on the structural integrity of the building, the interior designer was hired specifically to decorate the lobby in a style that reflected the company's heritage.
From Middle English decorat (“adorned”), from Latin decorātus, perfect passive participle of decorō (“to adorn, distinguish, honor”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from decus (“ornament, grace, dignity, honor”, decor- in compounds), akin to decor (“elegance, grace, beauty, ornament”), from decet (“adorn, befit”).
From Middle English decorat (“decorated, adorned”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more. Originally also used as the past participle of decorate; compare generate or communicate.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In a military context, it means to confer an award or medal upon someone.