lionize

[ lahy-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, li·on·ized, li·on·iz·ing.

1. to treat (a person) as a celebrity:

   to lionize the visiting poet.

2. British. to visit or exhibit the objects of interest of (a place).

verb (used without object)

, li·on·ized, li·on·iz·ing.

1. to pursue celebrities or seek their company.
2. British. to visit the objects of interest of a place.

lionize

/ ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to treat as or make into a celebrity

Derived Forms

• ˌlioniˈzation, noun
• ˈlionˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• li·on·i·za·tion noun
• li·on·iz·er noun
• li·on·ized adjective
• un·li·on·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lionize¹

First recorded in 1800–10; lion + -ize ( def )

Example Sentences

While Musk was being lionized, Gebru was dealing with humiliation and harassment.

From MIT Technology Review

Official versions of the state’s history and popular culture instead lionized the Texas Rangers, the paramilitary police force that used deadly violence and intimidation to subordinate people of color.

From Washington Post

Chauvin was lionized in some quarters and, even as Floyd lay in his grave, defense attorneys put the victim on trial.

From The Daily Beast

It’s just one more example of the way so-called “blank check companies” are revolutionizing industries, although some wonder if such financial maneuvers are ignoring actual value by lionizing business leaders and selling tulips to the foolish.

From Ozy

As we lionize folks, we just really need to take a harder look at what they actually stand for and who they actually are.

From Time

Conservatives may lionize Edward Snowden now, says Michael Tomasky, but ultimately his actions are going to tear apart the GOP.

From The Daily Beast

Libertarians worship Milton Friedman, and liberals lionize John Maynard Keynes.

From The Daily Beast

I should like particularly to have you to lionize us there; and I don't fancy your running into danger.'

From Project Gutenberg

Lionized to death, as the English alone can lionize, Mr. Prescott never lost his modest self-possession.

From Project Gutenberg

The people at Sea-Acres felt the attraction and tried to lionize the dark, tall parson with the glowing, indifferent eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, when you have sacrificed to friendship sufficiently, you will lionize Miss Tresilyan?

From Project Gutenberg

Two women tried to lionize him, and he ran away and played with the children.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• eulogize
• glorify
• idolize