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

Kelli Barrett grew up idolizing Fosse and his creative circle, learning his choreography from a young age, and watching his films over and over, her face inches from the screen. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Fosse/Verdon Finds Its Liza in Kelli Barrett, Who Happens to Be a Minnelli Super-fan," 10 Apr. 2019 Then there’s Lonzo Ball, who is a nerd in all the senses but grew up idolizing James (which is telling in a city that worships Kobe) and has in many ways patterned his pass-first approach to the game after him. — Chris Gayomali, GQ, "The Upside of the Lakers," 2 July 2018 What matters most is whether, or when, or how soon memory loss might become dementia, then a death too early for men once idolized for their physical prowess. — azcentral, "'I’m losing those memories': Ex-Cardinals among thousands in concussion suit," 29 Mar. 2018 Growing up in Nashville, Witherspoon idolized Tennessee native Dolly Parton, and dreamed of becoming an entertainer in her own right. — Maria Ward, Vogue, "5 Things You Didn’t Know About Reese Witherspoon," 10 Jan. 2019 Growing up in New York and Florida, Ms. Osaka idolized Ms. Williams. — Daniel Henninger, WSJ, "Serena Williams’s Time Out," 12 Sep. 2018 Henry, who played college ball at Boise State, grew up idolizing Seattle offensive linemen such as Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. — Alexa Philippou, The Seattle Times, "Former Bellevue High lineman Marcus Henry strives to become a Seahawk," 30 July 2018 But as the Kardashians’ critics point out, the glorification of Kim’s skinniness and the joking about anorexia are dangerous viewpoints to share in front of the young people who idolize the sisters. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "Kardashian’s sisters said she looked anorexic. She took it as a compliment.," 3 Aug. 2018 John Travolta, who idolized Cagney, called every Father’s Day and made several visits by flying his own plane. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "Hollywood 'gangster' James Cagney preferred life on a farm over Hollywood," 20 July 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.