mythologize

[ mi-thol-uh-jahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, my·thol·o·gized, my·thol·o·giz·ing.

1. to classify, explain, or write about myths.
2. to construct or narrate myths.

verb (used with object)

, my·thol·o·gized, my·thol·o·giz·ing.

1. to make into or explain as a myth; make mythical.

mythologize

/ mɪˈθɒləˌdʒaɪz /

verb

1. to tell, study, or explain (myths)
2. intr to create or make up myths
3. tr to convert into a myth

Derived Forms

• myˈthologer, noun
• myˌthologiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• my·tholo·gi·zation noun
• my·tholo·gizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mythologize¹

1595–1605; mytholog(y) + -ize; compare French mythologiser

Example Sentences

Alpha Male, sometimes tearing up when he recounts his many grievances, mythologizes Trump, a leader who survived an assassin’s bullet, an army of prosecutors, 34 felony counts and endless scandal.

From Los Angeles Times

But it is still Disney, so expect a little bit of folkloric mythologizing, especially when it comes to company founder Walt Disney.

From Los Angeles Times

But “Apocalypse Now” would ultimately go down as one of Cannes’ most mythologized premieres.

From Seattle Times

The lifestyle afforded by owning a suburban single-family home with a backyard and barbecue has long been mythologized as part of the “California Dream.”

From Los Angeles Times

Beletsky, however, was acutely aware of how closely this point in American history is observed — and to no small extent mythologized and sanitized.

From Salon