idolize

verb

idol·​ize ˈī-də-ˌlīz 

idolized; idolizing

transitive verb

: 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

idolization

ˌī-də-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

idolizer

ˈī-də-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of idolize

• adore
• worship
• like

Examples of idolize in a Sentence

an actor who is idolized by millions

she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults

Recent Examples on the Web

Rafaela, who began his professional career as a middle infielder in the Red Sox minor leagues, idolized him. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026

For those of us who grew up idolizing the 38-year singer and actor, that candor is classic Hilary. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026

Olympians – athletes at the top of their sport and in prime health – are idolized and often viewed as superhuman. —Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026

Carter's younger brother idolized him. —Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for idolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

idolize

verb

idol·​ize ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌīz 

idolized; idolizing

: to worship as an idol : love or admire too much

idolization

ˌīd-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən

noun

idolizer

ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌī-zər 

noun