Confirm Elon M is whirling in empty space (9)

I believe the answer is:

solemnise

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'confirm elon m is whirling in empty space' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'elon m is whirling in empty space' is the wordplay.
'whirling' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'space' with its centre removed is 'se'.
'elon'+'m'+'is'='elonmis'
'elonmis' is an anagram of 'olemnis'.
'olemnis' put into 'se' is 'SOLEMNISE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for solemnise that I've seen before include "Perform religious ceremony" , "Get serious" .)

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