mythologization
|myth-o-lo-gi-za-tion|
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/ˌmɪθəˌlɑdʒəˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɪθəˌlɒdʒɪˈzeɪʃən/
(mythologize)
turn into myth; glorify
Etymology
'mythologization' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the verb 'mythologize' plus the suffix '-ation'.
'mythologize' traces back to Greek elements 'mythos' (myth, story) and 'logos' (word, account, study), with the English verb formed via Greek/Latin/French transmission; over time English added the nominal suffix '-ation' to form 'mythologization'.
Initially related to 'mythology' meaning 'the study or account of myths', the root developed a verb sense 'to treat as myth', and now 'mythologization' denotes the process of making something mythical or idealized.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of turning a person, event, or idea into a myth; treating or representing something as legendary, idealized, or larger-than-life.
The mythologization of the leader obscured many uncomfortable facts about his tenure.
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Verb 1
the act of presenting or treating someone or something as a myth or legend; to idealize or attribute legendary qualities (definition relates to the base form 'mythologize').
Scholars criticized historians who mythologize historical figures without critical evidence.
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Last updated: 2026/01/09 01:59