hero-worship

1 of 2

verb

he·​ro-wor·​ship ˈhir-(ˌ)ō-ˌwər-ship 

hero-worshipped also hero-worshiped; hero-worshipping also hero-worshiping; hero-worships

transitive verb

: to feel or express deep respect for (a hero)

also : to admire (someone) excessively or foolishly

hero-worshipper noun

hero worship

2 of 2

noun

1

: veneration of a hero

2

: foolish or excessive adulation for an individual

Synonyms of hero-worship

Verb

• adore
• worship
• like
• idolize

Noun

• worship
• adoration
• worshipping

Examples of hero-worship in a Sentence

Verb

people who hero-worship celebrities are setting themselves up for disappointment

a golfing pro who is hero-worshipped by hordes of weekend duffers

Noun

He objects to the unthinking hero worship of great athletes by their fans.

once the object of uncritical hero worship, the aging quarterback now faces the derision of his team's fickle fans

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In an accompanying statement, Yungblud said that the record explores the theme of hero-worship. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025

Machismo is another one of these elements as the doc repeatedly shows a star matador and his hero-worshipping entourage. — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025

Noun

Bruins players receive their share of glory and hero worship. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Nov. 2025

Early in the film, Gregg Allman talks about his hero worship of Duane. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hero-worship

• connoisseurship
• entrepreneurship
• worship