heroize

American  

[heer-oh-ahyz] / ˈhɪər oʊˌaɪz /

especially British, heroise

verb (used with object)

heroized, heroizing

1. to make a hero of.

   a war film that heroizes the warrior.

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Other Word Forms

• heroization noun

Etymology

Origin of heroize

First recorded in 1730–40; hero + -ize

Example Sentences

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 • Apr. 4, 2021

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2020

If the mainstream vilifies aliens and outsiders as beasts or monsters, the extremes heroize beasts and monsters.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2018

Do not glorify crime nor heroize criminals by giving a false glamor and thus exciting sympathy.

From Time Magazine Archive

To "heroize" a boy in class every time he does a meritorious act will very likely spoil him.

From Principles of Teaching by Bennion, Adam S.