deify

/'di:ifai/

Friendly

Word: Deify

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To deify someone means to treat them as if they are a god or to regard them with great admiration and reverence. This can involve elevating someone to a very high status where they are seen as perfect or god-like.

Usage Instructions:

• Common Usage: Deify is often used in contexts where people admire someone greatly, sometimes to an exaggerated degree.
• Sentence Structure: You can use "deify" followed by the person or thing that is being regarded as god-like. For example, "They deified their leader."

Examples:

• "Many people deify celebrities, believing they can do no wrong."
• "In ancient times, rulers were often deified after their deaths."

Advanced Usage:

• Cultural Context: In some cultures, leaders or historical figures are deified to symbolize their importance and influence on society.
• Critical Tone: Sometimes, using "deify" can carry a critical tone, implying that someone is being overly idolized or idealized.

Word Variants:

• Deification (noun): The process of deifying someone or something.
  • Example: "The deification of the king led to a cult of personality."
• Deified (adjective): Describing someone who has been treated as a god.
  • Example: "The deified hero was celebrated in festivals."

Different Meanings:

• While "deify" primarily means to treat someone as a god, it can also imply placing someone on a pedestal, making them seem perfect or infallible.

Synonyms:

• Idolize
• Worship
• Exalt
• Reverence (to regard with deep respect)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idol worship: This phrase can be used to describe the act of excessively admiring someone, similar to deifying them.
  • Example: "There’s too much idol worship in our society today."

Summary:

To "deify" someone means to treat them as if they are a god, often with excessive admiration. It can be applied to leaders, celebrities, or even ideas, signifying a high level of respect or admiration that may not be fully justified.

Academic

Verb

1. exalt to the position of a God
   • the people deified their King
2. consider as a god or godlike
   • These young men deify financial success