idolize

[ ahyd-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, i·dol·ized, i·dol·iz·ing.

1. to regard with blind adoration, devotion, etc.

   Synonyms: worship, treasure, adore

2. to worship as a god.

verb (used without object)

, i·dol·ized, i·dol·iz·ing.

1. to practice idolatry:

   to idolize as did ancient Greece and Rome.

idolize

/ ˈaɪdəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to admire or revere greatly
2. tr to worship as an idol
3. intr to worship idols

Derived Forms

• iˈdolism, noun
• ˈidolist, noun

Other Words From

• idol·i·zation noun
• idol·izer noun
• self-idol·ized adjective
• self-idol·izing adjective
• un·idol·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of idolize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; idol + -ize

Example Sentences

In the Age of Trump, today’s MAGAfied Republicans and “conservatives” and the larger right-wing also idolize political strongmen and autocrats such as Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban and want to remake American society in their image.

From Salon

I didn’t want to idolize him anymore.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t want to idolize him anymore.

From Los Angeles Times

France seemed to idolize Leasure, but he also claimed to be terrified of him.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s far less likely to commit a mass shooting or to idolize Andrew Tate.

From Slate

Related Words

• admire
• adore
• revere
• venerate