Adulating: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'adulatio,' which means flattery or excessive praise.
• Over time, the term evolved to describe a more general behavior of idolizing or praising someone deeply.

Psychology

• People often engage in this behavior to gain favor with someone they admire or to be part of a social group.
• Excessive praise can lead to unrealistic expectations of the person being idolized, which might eventually lead to disappointment.

Pop Culture

• In the realm of celebrities, it's common to see fans acting this way towards their idols, often leading to a 'fandom' culture.
• Social media platforms amplify this behavior, enabling fans to express admiration instantly and publicly.

Literature

• In many classic stories, characters who receive unwavering praise often fall victim to a tragic flaw, exacerbating their downfall.
• Adulation has been a recurring theme in literature, reflecting the dangers of blind worship.

Sociology

• Cultural norms can dictate how acceptable this behavior is, with some societies encouraging admiration as a show of respect.
• In modern contexts, the line between healthy admiration and adulation can be blurred, leading to complex social dynamics.