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Idolize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idolize

[aɪˈdɑːlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in admiration

To admire or worship someone or something intensely, often to the point of idolatry. It involves a strong feeling of adoration and reverence towards the object of idolization.

Synonyms

adore, revere, venerate, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolize

Used when someone has an extremely high admiration or love for another, often to an extent that may be seen as excessive or unrealistic.

  • He idolizes his older brother, trying to copy everything he does
adore

Appropriate for expressing strong affection and love, usually in a personal or intimate context, and often without the excessive or unrealistic connotation.

  • She adores her pet cat, spending hours playing and cuddling with it
worship

Often used in a religious context, indicating acts of devotion and ritualistic admiration towards a deity or sacred figure. Can also be used metaphorically to describe extreme admiration that might be viewed as irrational.

  • The congregation gathered to worship at the cathedral every Sunday
  • He worships his favorite rock band, going to every concert and buying all their merchandise
revere

Used in contexts where someone is shown deep respect or awe, often for their achievements, status, or moral authority.

  • Many people revere Nelson Mandela for his leadership and contributions to humanity
venerate

Appropriate in situations where someone is held in high regard with a sense of reverence and respect, often in a more formal or religious context.

  • The local community venerates the ancient tree, considering it sacred and historically significant

Examples of usage

  • He idolized his favorite singer, hanging posters of her all over his room.
  • She idolizes her mentor, following in his footsteps and seeking his advice on every decision.
  • Teenagers often idolize celebrities, imitating their style and behavior.
  • Many young girls idolize Disney princesses, dreaming of finding their own prince charming.
  • Ideally, parents should encourage their children to idolize positive role models.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Idolizing celebrities often shapes fan culture, leading to dedicated fan clubs and significant social media followings.
  • Reality talent shows like 'American Idol' foster a culture where young singers are idolized for their performances.

Psychology

  • Idolization can lead to unrealistic expectations, where fans expect their idols to be perfect and without flaws.
  • The process of idolization can impact personal identity and self-esteem, as people often compare themselves to those they idolize.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of idolization, often leading to characters' downfalls when their heroes fail them.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes idolize other figures, creating dramatic tension when those ideals clash with reality.

Society

  • Idol worship can manifest in various ways, from sports stars to historical figures, often influencing cultural values and norms.
  • In some cultures, idolization is rooted deeply in tradition, illustrating the admiration for ancestors or past leaders.

Origin of 'idolize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'eidolon', meaning 'image' or 'statue', which reflects the idea of looking up to a figure.
  • It entered the English language in the 17th century, originally referring to the worship of idols in a religious sense.

The word 'idolize' comes from the Old French word 'idolatre', which originates from the Latin word 'idololatria', meaning 'worship of idols'. The concept of idolization has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with religious practices and beliefs. In modern usage, 'idolize' is commonly used to describe the intense admiration or adoration of someone or something.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,160, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.