deification

[ dee-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of deifying.
2. the state of being deified.
3. the result of deifying:

   Their gods were deifications of their ancient kings.

Other Words From

• hyper·dei·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deification¹

1350–1400; Middle English deificacion < Late Latin deificātiōn- (stem of deificātiō ), equivalent to deificāt ( us ) (past participle of deificāre; deific ( us ) deific + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Or they knew her story through the lens of her deification.

From Los Angeles Times

The cultlike deification of Mr. Obama as some kind of White House celebrity broke the political press in Washington.

From Washington Times

She said that some in the university community embrace an “unhealthy deification” of Mr. Jefferson, adding, “That can be coded language for a lot of things.”

From New York Times

And its rigid hierarchy and customs do not mesh well with the deification of liberty and individualism that permeate U.S. culture.

From Washington Post

Even students goofing off in the back should catch on that Neil is still enchanted by the frisson of deification that sometimes descends from heaven into a classroom.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• attention
• celebration
• confidence
• credit
• dignity
• distinction
• esteem
• faith
• fame
• glory
• praise
• prestige
• recognition
• reputation
• tribute
• trust