lionize
|laɪ-ə-naɪz|
/ˈlaɪənaɪz/
treat as a celebrity
Etymology
'lionize' originates from English, formed from the noun 'lion' plus the verbalizing suffix '-ize'.
'lion' (the noun) came into English from Old French 'lion', from Latin 'leo' and Greek 'leon'; the verb 'lionize' was formed in English (influenced by similar '-ize' formations) to mean 'to make into or treat as a lion/celebrity'.
Initially formed from the idea of making someone like a 'lion' (a notable or celebrated figure), the meaning evolved into the modern sense 'to treat someone as a celebrity or greatly admired person.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a reference to the act or tendency of treating someone as a celebrity (i.e., 'lionization').
The tendency to lionize can distort how we judge public figures.
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Verb 1
to treat someone as a celebrity; to give someone excessive public attention and praise.
The media often lionize young actors after a breakout role.
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Verb 2
to treat or present someone as unusually important or heroic, sometimes unrealistically.
Fans can lionize athletes to the point of overlooking their faults.
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Adjective 1
used adjectivally (usually as a past participle) to describe someone who has been treated like a celebrity.
The newly lionize author found public life overwhelming.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 12:01