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Idolization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idolization

[aɪˌdɒləˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social media

The act of blindly adoring and worshiping a celebrity or public figure, often to an excessive degree. Idolization can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when the idol's true nature is revealed.

Synonyms

adulation, hero-worship, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolization

Used when showing extreme admiration and love for someone or something, often to an unhealthy degree.

  • Her idolization of the celebrity was so intense that she covered her entire room with posters of him
worship

Used to describe profound reverence, love, and devotion, usually in a religious context or towards a deity.

  • The villagers came to the temple to worship their gods every morning
adulation

Used to describe excessive praise or flattery, often in a way that seems insincere or exaggerated.

  • The adulation from his fans seemed never-ending, but he knew not all of it was genuine
hero-worship

Used when someone admires a person to the point of viewing them as a hero, often with a sense of awe and respect.

  • As a kid, he had a hero-worship for his firefighter father, always wanting to be just like him

Examples of usage

  • Her idolization of the pop star led her to believe that he could do no wrong.
  • The idolization of influencers on social media can create an unhealthy obsession among their followers.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

The worship and reverence of idols or images as representations of deities in certain religions. Idolization is a common practice in some ancient and traditional belief systems.

Synonyms

adoration, veneration, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolization

This word is used when someone is admired or loved excessively, almost to the point of obsession. It often has a negative connotation because it implies a lack of critical thinking.

  • Her idolization of the pop star made her lose touch with reality
worship

Worship is intense admiration or love, often of a divine nature. It can be used in both religious contexts to describe the act of revering a deity or in everyday language to describe extreme admiration, though in the latter it can sometimes be negative.

  • They gathered at the church for morning worship
  • His worship of wealth ultimately led to his downfall
veneration

Veneration implies deep respect or awe, often related to someone's accomplishments, wisdom, or age. It is commonly used in religious and formal settings.

  • The monk received great veneration for his years of service to the community
adoration

Adoration is a warm, deep love and respect for someone, often used in positive settings. It is more affectionate than idolization.

  • The child's adoration for her mother was evident in her eyes

Examples of usage

  • Idolization of gods and goddesses was an integral part of ancient Greek religion.
  • The idolization of saints in Catholicism involves prayers and offerings to their statues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • In many cultures, idolization can lead to the creation of 'idol' figures in music, sports, or acting, influencing pop culture and societal norms.
  • Historically, idolization has been both celebrated and criticized, often highlighting the tension between admiration and realistic expectations of human flaws.

Psychology

  • Research shows that idolization can impact self-esteem; people might feel uplifted or diminished based on their perceived distance from their idols.
  • It can also lead to a phenomenon called 'celebrity worship syndrome', where individuals develop an obsessive relationship with a public figure.

Literature

  • In literary works, idolization often drives characters to act irrationally, revealing the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
  • Classic novels frequently explore themes of idolization, illustrating how it can lead to downfall, as characters grapple with the gap between ideal and reality.

Religion and Spirituality

  • In various religions, idolization can be seen in the veneration of saints, where followers seek to emulate their virtues.
  • The debate surrounding idolization and idolatry has existed for centuries, with leaders cautioning against placing humans on pedestals.

Origin of 'idolization'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Late Latin 'idolizatio', which means to treat an idol or revered figure with great respect.
  • It has roots in the Greek word 'eidolon', meaning a phantom or image, showing how we create an idealized version of those we admire.

The word 'idolization' traces its origins back to the Latin word 'idolus', meaning 'idol' or 'image'. The suffix '-ization' is used to form nouns denoting a process, action, or result. The concept of idolization has been present throughout history, from ancient idol worship to modern-day celebrity culture. It reflects humanity's tendency to idealize and worship figures of admiration and reverence.

See also: idol, idolater, idolatry, idolize, idols, idyllic.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,279, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.