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Lionized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lionized

[ˈlaɪəˌnaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

public admiration

To lionize someone means to treat them as a celebrity or to give them a great deal of public attention and admiration. This often involves praising their achievements and elevating their status in the eyes of others. The term suggests not only recognition but also a form of adoration, where the person is held in high esteem, almost akin to a lion in the wild - majestic and revered. This usage is common in contexts relating to fame, celebrity culture, and public relations.

Synonyms

celebrated, esteemed, exalted, idolized, venerated.

Examples of usage

  • The actor was lionized after his Oscar win.
  • The scientist was lionized for her groundbreaking research.
  • They lionized the author during the book festival.
  • After his heroic act, he was lionized by the community.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often depict lionized figures as protagonists, emphasizing societal admiration or hero-worship.
  • In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' characters are often lionized or demonized, illustrating power dynamics in society.

Social Commentary

  • Lionizing people can sometimes overlook their flaws, creating a distorted view of reality.
  • In the digital age, social media has made it easier to quickly lionize individuals, sometimes without knowing their full story.

Psychology

  • Being lionized can lead to increased pressure and expectations for the individual, often impacting their mental health.
  • The phenomenon of 'celebrity worship' shows how society often lionizes public figures, which can affect individuals' self-image.

History

  • Historically, military leaders and heroes are often lionized to promote nationalism and unity among the populace.
  • Famous figures like Alexander the Great were lionized in their time, leading to exaggerated stories of their exploits and heroism.

Origin of 'lionized'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the idea of treating someone like a lion, a king of the jungle, reflecting bravery and strength.
  • It is derived from the word 'lion,' originally linked to the Latin 'leo,' meaning lion, showcasing the noble characteristics associated with this animal.

The word 'lionize' originates from the noun 'lion' which represents strength and majesty. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The term was used metaphorically to liken the treatment of people to that of lions, who are often viewed as noble animals. The concept of lionization became particularly popular during a time when public admiration for celebrities and notable figures began to rise. 'Lionize' reflects the societal tendency to put individuals on a pedestal, much like lions are revered in various cultures. In the context of literature and social discourse, 'lionizing' has come to critique or celebrate the phenomenon of fame and public admiration, illustrating how society can elevate individuals based on their achievements or personas.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,539, 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.