heroize

[ heer-oh-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, he·ro·ized, he·ro·iz·ing.

1. to make a hero of:

   a war film that heroizes the warrior.

Other Words From

• hero·iz·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heroize¹

First recorded in 1730–40; hero + -ize

Example Sentences

Putin cited the ultranationalist, even fascistic figures from World War II that Ukrainians still heroize, claiming that Zelensky is among them.

From Slate

We like to think we’ve learned something since then because hundreds of thousands took to the streets to heroize Black everyman George Floyd.

From Los Angeles Times

The book doesn’t heroize them for turning their backs on hatred or gloss over their heinous crimes.

From Seattle Times

“We shouldn’t heroize people and say they’re the greatest guys in the world and that they didn’t make any mistakes, because that’s not true.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It doesn't heroize them in any way, shape, or form. It shows you the kind of stuff they have to deal with on a daily basis," he argued.

From Fox News