Main Entry: ide·al·ize

Variant(s): or chiefly British ide·al·ise \ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ide·al·ized or chiefly British ide·al·ised; ide·al·iz·ing or chiefly British ide·al·is·ing

: to give ideal form or value to : attribute ideal characteristics of excellence to <constantly shifting moods and a tendency to idealize or devalue other people—Harvard Mental Health Letter>

—ide·al·iza·tion or chiefly British ide·al·isa·tion \ī-ˌdē-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun