Vocabulary in context
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Lionize
To treat someone as a celebrity; to praise or honor someone as if they were famous.
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Imagine This
In the eyes of all the animals, the Lion King is the king of the animal kingdom, and they have to treat him with respect.
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Sounds Like
LIE-uh-nize
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Looks Like
lion eyes
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Remember This
The verb lionize is often used with people the speaker views as celebrities or heroes; it can carry either a neutral or slightly critical tone depending on context (to over-praise).
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Other Forms
lionizesverb
lionizedverb
lionizingverb
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Note
Do not confuse with 'lioness' or treat it as a literal statement about lions; here it means to elevate someone to celebrity status.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The tabloids tend to lionize movie stars after a hit premiere.
- The city honored the veteran by lionizing him at a public ceremony.
Synonyms
idolizeglorifyexaltpraiselaud
Antonyms
criticizedisparagedevalue
Etymology
From the noun 'lion' plus the suffix '-ize' in English; first used in the early 19th century to mean 'to treat as a lion' or 'to make into a celebrity'.
Mnemonic
LIONIZE = LION + IZE: to make someone a lion in status; imagine a person being paraded on a pedestal like a royal lion.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Exalt
verbTo praise highly; to elevate in status or honor.
Laud
verbTo praise highly; to extol or exalt.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
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