idolize

verb

idol·ize | \ ˈī-də-ˌlīz

idolized; idolizing

Definition of idolize

: to worship as a god broadly : to love or admire to excess the common people whom he so idolized — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

intransitive verb

: to practice idolatry

Other Words from idolize Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about idolize

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Other Words from idolize

idolization \ ˌī-də-lə-ˈzā-shən

\ noun

idolizer \ ˈī-də-ˌlī-zər

\ noun

Examples of idolize in a Sentence

an actor who is idolized by millions she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge her considerable faults

Recent Examples on the Web

But his young son Cristiano Jr. hilariously and adorably idolizes Messi. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Be careful how you answer," 14 June 2018 Osaka had never faced Williams before, but -- like so many players of her generation -- had grown up idolizing the American. — Sandy Thin, CNN, "Naomi Osaka sweeps aside idol Serena Williams in Miami Open," 22 Mar. 2018 Those aesthetics have long been idolized in China by painters and poets. — Lawrence Osborne, Town & Country, "The Hidden Power of Orchids," 14 Apr. 2017 While those players are adored and even idolized, the women’s team has been sidelined — just like in other countries around the world. — Debora Rey, The Seattle Times, "Argentine women fight against inequality in soccer," 7 Nov. 2018 Beer grew up idolizing Chipper Jones — of little surprise considering his Georgia roots. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros select Clemson's Seth Beer with the 28th pick in MLB Draft," 4 June 2018 To see them idolizing me like that was really overwhelming and humbling. — Kathy Boccella, Philly.com, "Downingtown girl who raised millions for malaria nets treated as hero in Taiwan," 30 June 2018 Both young Canadians had grown up idolizing players like Nadal, and Auger-Aliassime had a poster of the legend hanging in his basement. — Chloé Cooper Jones, GQ, "Denis Shapovalov Is the Thrilling, Gutsy Teen of Tennis," 25 May 2018 In the book, Plum makes a living by answering letters to Kitty, Daisy Chain’s glamorous editor, from confused teenage girls all over the country who idolize her. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "Marti Noxon Wants to Put Angry Women on TV," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idolize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.