idolize

/'aidəlaiz/

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Explanation of "Idolize"

Definition: The verb "idolize" means to love or admire someone so much that you think they are perfect. When you idolize someone, you often put them on a pedestal, meaning you see them as better than everyone else. This admiration is usually very strong and can sometimes be uncritical, meaning you don't see their flaws or mistakes.

Usage Instructions

• Subject: You usually idolize a person, such as a celebrity, athlete, or role model.
• Object: The person you admire is the object of your idolization.
• Form: "Idolize" is often used in the present tense (I idolize, you idolize, he/she/it idolizes) and can also be used in the past tense (idolized).

Examples

1. Simple Example: Many teenagers idolize pop stars because of their talent and fame.
2. Past Example: I idolized my older brother when I was a child because he was so cool.

Advanced Usage

• You might also say someone "idolizes" a concept or an idea, like freedom or success, meaning they hold it in very high regard.
• In a more critical context, you might say "He idolizes his favorite athlete to an unhealthy degree," which implies that the admiration goes beyond normal appreciation.

Word Variants

• Idolization (noun): The act of idolizing; the state of being idolized. Example: Her idolization of the singer is evident in her room full of posters.
• Idol (noun): A person who is greatly admired. Example: He is my idol; I want to be like him when I grow up.
• Idolater (noun): A person who idolizes someone excessively. Example: Some fans can become idolaters, forgetting that their idols are human too.

Different Meanings

• While "idolize" primarily refers to admiration, it can also imply a lack of critical judgment. For example, if someone idolizes a political leader, they may overlook any negative actions that leader has taken.

Synonyms

• Admire: To regard someone with respect or warm approval.
• Worship: To treat someone with great admiration or devotion, often used in a religious context.
• Venerate: To regard with great respect or reverence.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Put on a pedestal: To treat someone as if they are perfect or superior. Example: She puts her favorite author on a pedestal, ignoring any criticism of their work.
• Look up to: To admire someone. Example: Many kids look up to their teachers as role models.

Summary

To "idolize" someone means to admire them greatly, often without seeing their flaws.

Academic

Verb

1. love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
   • Many teenagers idolized the Beatles

Synonyms

• idolise
• worship
• hero-worship
• revere