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Deification Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deification

[ˌdiːɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious worship

The act of making a god of something or someone; the process of treating someone or something as divine.

Synonyms

apotheosis, divinization, idolization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deification

Use in religious or mythological contexts when referring to the act of elevating someone to the status of a god.

  • The ancient Greeks practiced the deification of their heroes.
  • Her followers' adoration reached the point of deification.
divinization

Used specifically in theological discussions about the process of becoming god-like or being made divine, often found in Christian contexts.

  • The concept of divinization is central to some Christian theologies.
  • Early church teachings explored the idea of human divinization.
apotheosis

Appropriate for literary or formal writing to describe the highest point in the development of something or the elevation of someone to a divine status.

  • The apotheosis of his career was winning the Nobel Prize.
  • The film portrays her rise and eventual apotheosis.
idolization

Common in everyday language with a connotation of excessive admiration or love, often in a negative sense as it implies uncritical adoration.

  • Teenagers' idolization of celebrities can sometimes lead to unhealthy behavior.
  • His idolization of his coach was obvious in every game he played.

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient cultures practiced deification of their rulers.
  • The deification of nature is a common theme in various mythologies.
Context #2 | Noun

excessive admiration

The excessive admiration or glorification of someone or something, elevating them to a godlike status.

Synonyms

adulation, idolization, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deification

This word is often used in a serious context when someone is being elevated to the status of a deity or god-like figure. It is commonly used in religious or mythological discussions.

  • The deification of ancient rulers was a common practice in many early civilizations.
  • Some fans spoke of the singer in terms that bordered on deification.
idolization

This term is used to describe the act of admiring or loving someone to an excessive or unreasonable degree. It is often used when talking about fans and celebrities.

  • The young girl's idolization of the pop star was evident from the posters covering her bedroom walls.
  • Parents were concerned about the students' idolization of internet influencers.
worship

Worship is generally used in a religious or spiritual context, referring to the act of showing reverence and devotion to a deity. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe intense admiration for someone or something.

  • The congregation gathered in the church for Sunday worship.
  • He worships his mentor to the point where he mimics everything he does.
adulation

Adulation is typically used to describe excessive admiration or praise, often to the point of flattery. It has a somewhat negative connotation, implying insincerity or over-the-top praise.

  • The politician was uncomfortable with the adulation he received from his supporters.
  • Her adulation of the celebrity seemed excessive and a bit insincere.

Examples of usage

  • The deification of celebrities has become a prevalent trend in modern society.
  • The deification of wealth often leads to a shallow and materialistic mindset.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In ancient Rome, emperors were often made into gods after their death, a practice known as imperial deification.
  • The term comes from Latin 'deificare,' which means 'to make a god,' combining 'deus' (god) with '-ficare' (to make).

Religion

  • Various religions have concepts of elevating remarkable figures to divine status, such as saints in Christianity being venerated.
  • In Hinduism, deification can occur through avatarism, where deities take on physical forms on Earth, like how Krishna is viewed.

Literature

  • Deification is a common theme in classics, such as in Homer's 'The Iliad,’ where heroes often receive god-like honors.
  • In modern literature, characters may be portrayed as deified figures to explore themes of heroism and power.

Psychology

  • People sometimes idolize public figures, treating them as infallible, which can psychologically resemble a form of deification.
  • This phenomenon has led to debates in psychology about the impact of celebrity worship on self-identity and mental health.

Pop Culture

  • In comic books and movies, superheroes can be seen as deified figures, with fans attributing them extraordinary qualities and powers.
  • Some modern artists use music and performance to create a sense of deification around themselves, enhancing their public personas.

Origin of 'deification'

The term 'deification' originates from the Latin word 'deificare', which means 'to make divine'. In ancient religions and mythologies, deification was a common practice where humans or objects were elevated to the status of gods. This concept has been a recurring theme in various cultures throughout history, reflecting humanity's fascination with the divine and the supernatural. The idea of deification has also been explored in philosophical and literary works, highlighting the complexities of human belief systems and the desire to transcend mortal limitations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,057, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.