lionize — to treat someone as a celebrity or give them a lot of public attention and admiration
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to treat someone as a celebrity or give them a lot of public attention and admiration
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz/
Example Sentences
- After winning the championship, the media lionized the rookie player as the next basketball legend.
- My mom lionizes the mailman because he always delivers packages without ringing the doorbell during my baby's nap time.
- The school tends to lionize students who get perfect attendance, even if they come to class half-asleep.
lionize
VERB[/ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz/]
to treat someone as a celebrity or give them a lot of public attention and admiration
The crowd began to lionize the young violinist after her stunning debut performance.
Lionized overnight, she tries to realize how to normalize her life again
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the noun 'lion' combined with the suffix '-ize' (meaning to make or treat as). The term originated in the 18th century, likely influenced by the practice of displaying lions as exotic attractions, metaphorically applied to treating people as rare celebrities worthy of public admiration.
Breakdown
lion (the animal, used metaphorically for something impressive or celebrated) + -ize (suffix meaning to make, treat as, or cause to be) = lionize (to treat someone as a celebrated figure or lion)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After winning the championship, the media lionized the rookie player as the next basketball legend.”
“My mom lionizes the mailman because he always delivers packages without ringing the doorbell during my baby's nap time.”
“The school tends to lionize students who get perfect attendance, even if they come to class half-asleep.”
“Critics argue that society shouldn't lionize wealthy individuals simply for their financial success.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.